Preface to the Second Edition

1. Trepidation ≡ a feeling or fear or anxiety about something

that is going to happen or that may happen
Consternation is a synonym of trepidation.

E.g., with some trepidation, I opened the door.

I approached revising Topics in Algebra with a certain amount of

trepidation.

2. For the most part ≡ in most cases; usually

For the most part, the major changes take place in the chapter on
group theory.

3. Nowadays ≡ at the present time; in contrast with the past

Nowadays is written as a single word.

Nowadays quite the opposite is true; many students, perhaps even

a majority, have learned something about 2×2 matrices at this
stage.

4. Overkill ≡ excessive use, treatment or action

(2) the amount by which destruction or the capacity for
destruction exceeds what is necessary

One could accuse me of overkill, probably rightfully so.

5. Rightful ≡ having a legitimate right to properly, position or

status
(2) legitimately claimed; fitting

One could accuse me of overkill, probably rightfully so.