Marginal
/ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsRelating to or existing at the edge or boundary of something; of secondary or minor importance.
/ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəl/
Relating to or situated at the edge or margin of something.
The marginal cost of producing one more unit is very low.
💡 Simply: Imagine a book's edge (the margin). Something marginal is like that edge - not the main part, and often not that important. Like, 'Their contribution was marginal, just a tiny bit.'
👶 For kids: Something that's marginal is like the edge of a paper - not the most important thing.
More Examples
The impact on the environment was marginal.
He had a marginal role in the project.
How It's Used
"The marginal lands are often less productive due to poor soil conditions."
"The company saw only a marginal increase in profits this quarter."
Relating to or reflecting small changes or increments; often used in economics to describe changes at the margin.
/ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəl/
In economics, denoting a small change or increase.
The marginal cost of producing an additional unit is low.
💡 Simply: In economics, 'marginal' is about small changes. Like, if you sell one more cookie, the marginal cost is how much it cost you to make that ONE extra cookie.
👶 For kids: When we talk about money, something marginal means a tiny change, like adding or taking away just one thing.
More Examples
A marginal tax rate refers to the tax rate on an additional dollar of income.
Marginal analysis helps businesses make decisions about production.
How It's Used
"The marginal utility of the last dollar spent is crucial for consumer behavior analysis."
Synonyms
From Late Latin *marginalis*, from Latin *margo* (margin, edge). The word entered English in the late 16th century.
Used in legal and ecclesiastical contexts initially; later, its economic usage became prominent.
Memory tip
Think of a book's margins; the text is the main content, and the margins are the secondary space.