/ Author: Clifford Stanley /

What It MeansMarginalia is a plural noun that refers to notes or other marks written in the margins of a text, and also to nonessential

What It MeansFebrile is a medical term meaning “marked or caused by fever; feverish.” It is sometimes used figuratively, as in “a febrile political climate.”

What It MeansRetrospective describes something that relates to the past or to something that happened in the past. The museum has curated a retrospective exhibit

What It MeansNefarious is a formal word that describes something as evil or immoral.Authorities suspect that the recovered materials were going to be used for

What It MeansHarking back can be about turning back to an earlier topic or circumstance, as in “a storyteller harking back to his youth,” or

What It MeansTo temporize is to avoid making a decision or giving a definite answer in order to have more time. Pressured by voters on

What It MeansTo espouse an ideology, belief, etc., is to take it up and support it as a cause. Espouse is usually encountered in formal

What It MeansA dreidel is a 4-sided toy marked with Hebrew letters and spun like a top in a game of chance. The game, played

What It MeansTo grift is to use dishonest tricks to illegally take money or property. The email scammer shamelessly grifted thousands of dollars from unwitting

What It MeansBravado refers to confident or brave talk or behavior that is intended to impress other people. She tells the stories of her youthful