Word Of The Day

Reticent

1. adjective disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved.

Synonyms: uncommunicative, quiet, taciturn

Antonyms: voluble, talkative,

2. reluctant or restrained.



Loll

Loll most often means “to droop or hang loosely.” It can also mean “to act or move in a relaxed or lazy manner.”

// We’re counting down the days until the weather will be warm enough again to laze and loll by the pool.



Marginalia

Marginalia is a plural noun that refers to notes or other marks written in the margins of a text, and also to nonessential matters or items.

// I loved flipping through my literature textbooks to find the marginalia left behind by former students.

// She found the documentary's treatment of not only the major events but also the marginalia of Scandinavian history fascinating.



Febrile

Febrile is a medical term meaning "marked or caused by fever; feverish." It is sometimes used figuratively, as in "a febrile political climate."

// I'm finally back on my feet after recovering from a febrile illness.

// The actor delivered the monologue with a febrile intensity.



Amortize

To amortize something, such as a mortgage, is to pay for it by making regular payments over a long period of time.

// If you apply extra payments directly to your loan balance as a principal reduction, your loan can be amortized sooner.



Retrospective

Retrospective describes something that relates to the past or to something that happened in the past.

// The museum has curated a retrospective exhibit of the artist's early works.



Nefarious

Nefarious is a formal word that describes something as evil or immoral.

// Authorities suspect that the recovered materials were going to be used for nefarious purposes.



Yen

A yen is a strong desire, urge, or craving for something.

// After dinner, the family went out for ice cream to satisfy their yen for something sweet.

// Students with a yen to travel should consider studying abroad.



Apropos

Apropos is used as a preposition to mean "with regard to." It is frequently used in the phrase "apropos of."

// Sean interrupted our conversation about politics and, apropos of nothing, asked who we thought would win the basketball game.

As an adjective, apropos describes something that is suitable or appropriate, as in "an apropos nickname."



Grandiose

Grandiose is usually used disapprovingly to describe something that seems impressive or is intended to be impressive, but that is either not possible or practical.

// The long-vacant historic building has finally been purchased, and the developer has announced grandiose plans to make it the center of a new theater district.