Marginal meaning is an adjective used to describe something at the edge or periphery, often having minimal significance or influence.
History of the Word Marginal
The word marginal has a diverse history, encompassing various meanings and applications across different contexts:
Early Usage
This term finds its origins in Latin, where "marginal" refers to something situated at the edge or border. In medieval times, it was primarily used in a geographical context to describe land along the margins of rivers or other boundaries.
Economic Use
In the 19th century, marginal was adapted into economics to describe the concept of marginal utility, which examines the additional satisfaction or benefit gained from consuming one more unit of a good or service. This usage became fundamental in economic theory.
Mathematics and Statistics
In mathematics and statistics, marginal is used to describe quantities or values associated with the margins or edges of a mathematical object, such as a margin in a probability distribution or the marginal cost in economics.
Contemporary Usage
It describes things or factors that have limited significance, relevance, or impact, often on the periphery of a more central issue or topic.
English (Manicured As Adjective)
Etymology
From Latin "marginalis," means situated at the edge.
Pronunciation
Pronounced as: /ˈmɑːrdʒɪnl/ (MAR-jin-uhl)
Marginal Adjective
- Comparative Degree: More marginal
- Superlative Degree: Most marginal
- Marginal Adverb: Marginally
- Marginal Noun: Marginality
Derived Terms
- Marginally
- Marginalization
- Marginalize
- Marginal cost
- Marginal revenue
Translations of Marginal
- Hindi: मार्जिनल (Maarjinal)
- Marginal meaning in Urdu: مارجنل (Maarjinal)
- Spanish: Marginal
- French: Marginal
- German: Marginal
- Russian: Маргинальный (Marginal'nyy)
- Arabic: هامشي (Hamshi)
- Chinese (Simplified): 边缘的 (Biānyuán de)
- Japanese: 辺縁の (Hen'en no)
- Portuguese: Marginal
Synonyms
Peripheral, minor, insignificant, secondary, slight, minimal, borderline, nominal, small, trifling.
Antonyms
Central, significant, major, important, primary, substantial, core, essential, critical, vital.
Examples Sentence
- The project had only a marginal impact on company profits.
- Her role in the play was marginal but crucial.
- The effect of the new policy was marginal at best.
FAQs about Marginal
Q: What does marginal mean in economics?
Ans: In economics, marginal refers to the additional benefit or cost of one more unit of a good or service.
Q: How is marginally used in everyday language?
Ans: In everyday language, marginal describes something of minimal significance or influence.
Q: Can you provide an example of a marginal decision?
Ans: Choosing between two similar products with a slight price difference is a marginal decision.
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