Definition

Adverb: In a way that is small in amount, degree, or significance; to a very limited extent. It often indicates something is just barely true, sufficient, or noticeable.

Usage and Examples

The adverb "marginally" is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a very slight difference or a minimal extent.

• The new policy is only marginally different from the old one.
• After the adjustments, the system performed marginally better.
• She was marginally aware of the noise in the background.
• He passed the exam, but only marginally.

Advanced Usage

• "marginally significant": In statistics or formal analysis, this describes a result that is just barely statistically significant, often implying the finding is weak or should be interpreted with caution.
  • The correlation between the two variables was marginally significant (p = 0.049).
• "marginally attached": In labor economics, this refers to workers who are not actively seeking employment but are available to work and have looked for a job in the recent past.
  • The report included data on marginally attached workers.

Variants and Related Words

• Marginal (adjective): 1. Relating to or situated at the edge. . 2. Of secondary or minor importance; not central. . 3. Very small in amount or effect. .
• Margin (noun): 1. The edge or border of something. . 2. An amount by which something is won. . 3. The difference between cost and selling price.

Synonyms

• Slightly
• Barely
• A little
• Somewhat (though "somewhat" can imply a slightly greater degree)
• Faintly

Antonyms

• Substantially
• Significantly
• Considerably
• Greatly

Related Phrases

• By a narrow margin: By a very small amount or degree.
  • The proposal passed by a narrow margin.
• On the margin(s): At the limit of what is acceptable or possible; in a position of secondary importance.
  • This theory exists on the margins of mainstream science.

Adverb

1. in a marginal manner
   • marginally interesting