Culture | Verbal Energy
Awakening to all kinds of possibilitiesWhy English has so many forms for the verbs referring to coming out of sleep
Putting the ‘roar’ into extraordinaryMaking the case for a go-to term for journalists who want to signal newsworthiness.
‘Collusion’ and its playful rootsA look at the surprising etymology of this dark word in the news.
When the sense of reality starts to flickerA vintage mystery-thriller flick provides a very current term for a form of psychological warfare that seems much in use lately.
Setting down the rules on ‘deposing’A look at a word with two very different senses alive and well in the news columns.
Emoluments: grinding out or softening up?A high-flown term for ‘salary’ seems to be rooted in a metaphor of ground grain, but the word’s sound symbolism suggests something else.
Just how many ‘behalves’ make a whole?An obsolete term still has its place in some legal contexts.
Unshackling the roots of ‘impediment’A hardworking ancient three-letter root turns out to be at the foot of many words across Indo-European languages.
Going off, leaving the furniture in chargeThe Monitor’s language columnist is reminded that bureaucracy is literally ‘rule by desks.’
Public memorials and private memorandumsA leaked memo and the controversy about Confederate memorials are both potentially monumental stories.
Why many in Ukraine oppose a ‘land for peace’ formula to end the war
Howard University hoped to make history. Now it’s ready for a different role.
Cover StoryWomen in construction find solidarity as ‘sisters in the brotherhood’
Facing Trump 2.0, Palestinians voice rising concern: What’s our plan?
Matt Gaetz drops bid for attorney general, the first setback for Trump’s presidency
