Margin

Definition

An edge or border of something.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɑrdʒɪn/
• Respelling: MAR-jin (with "MAR" as in "car" and "jin" as in "gin")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɑːdʒɪn/
• Respelling: MAH-jin (with "MAH" as in "car" and "jin" as in "gin")

In both dialects, "margin" places the primary stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation differs slightly between American and British English, with "MAR-jin" in American English and "MAH-jin" in British English.

Etymology

From the Latin "mārgō" meaning "edge, brink, border, or verge".

Derivatives

• Marginal
• Marginally
• Marginate
• Margination
• Marginless

Synonyms

• Edge
• Border
• Brink

Antonyms

• Center
• Middle
• Core

Usage

• The notes were written in the margin of the book.
• There's a narrow margin of error in the experiment.

Related Terms

• Boundary
• Periphery
• Verge
• Fringe
• Brim

Detailed Definition

Noun

• The edge or border of a page or surface.
• Example: She jotted down her ideas in the margin of the notebook.

• The amount by which one thing exceeds or falls short of another.
• Example: The team won by a margin of 10 points.

• An amount of something included so as to be sure of success or safety.
• Example: Allow a margin of error in your calculations.

Verb

• To provide with an edge or border.
• Example: She margined the page with colorful designs.

• To deposit an amount as a margin.
• Example: Traders might margin their account to maximize potential profits.‍