Marginal

Definition

Of, relating to, or situated at the edge or margin of something.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɑrdʒɪnəl/
• Respelling: MAR-juh-nuhl (with "MAR" as in "car," "juh" as in "judge," and "nuhl" as in "tunnel")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəl/
• Respelling: MAH-juh-nuhl (with "MAH" as in "car," "juh" as in "judge," and "nuhl" as in "tunnel")

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

Etymology

Derived from Latin "mārginālis", from "mārgō" meaning "edge or border".

Derivatives

• Marginality
• Marginally
• Marginalize
• Marginalized
• Marginalization

Synonyms

• Peripheral
• Borderline
• Fringe

Antonyms

• Central
• Mainstream
• Core

Usage

• Marginal changes in the temperature can affect the ecosystem significantly.
• His contribution to the project was marginal at best.

Related Terms

• Edge
• Boundary
• Periphery
• Fringe
• Brink

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Of minor, lesser, or secondary importance.
• Example: The manager considered it a marginal issue.

• Situated on the edge or periphery of something.
• Example: Marginal habitats like wetlands often have unique species.

• Just barely adequate or within a lower limit.
• Example: His performance was marginal, just passing the required standard.

Noun

• A value or position at, or just within or outside, a limit or boundary.
• Example: He is working in the marginals of the industry.