marginal
Translation
marginal, slight, insignificant
Examples
The change had only a marginal effect.
The change had only a marginal effect.
They provide help for marginal groups in society.
They provide help for marginal groups in society.
Grammar Patterns
((adjective)) small and not important The change had only a marginal effect.
((adjective)) not part of a main group They provide help for marginal groups.
Similar Words
Synonyms: slight, small, insignificant; Antonyms: significant, major
Etymology
Derived from 'margin' (edge, border). Something 'marginal' is at the edge or border, hence small or unimportant.
Memory Tips
'Marginal' notes are written in the 'margin' of a book – they are extra, not the main text. This connects to the meaning of being small or not central.