What does marginally mean?
Marginally is an adverb meaning to a slight extent, by a small amount, or only just. It is especially useful when a change or difference is real but small, as in “The results improved marginally” or “The two readings are marginally different.” In business, academic, and technical writing, the word signals that a trend has moved without implying a dramatic shift. It can also carry the sense of “barely”: something happened, but only to the smallest degree. The word is formal and neutral, though it often sounds more precise than casual alternatives such as “a little.” Marginally is related to margin, marginal, and marginalia, all reflecting the Latin idea of an edge or border. Unlike a stronger expression such as significantly, marginally deliberately keeps the scale of the effect in view.
adverbTo a slight extent; by a small amount. It can also mean only just or barely.
- To a slight extent; by a small amount.
- Only just; barely.
"The proposal was only marginally more expensive than the original plan."
"Sales increased marginally in the second quarter."
"She was marginally late, but the presentation had not yet begun."
From the Latin for “edge,” marginally still lives on the edge: enough to change a number, but not enough to change the story.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marginally come from?
Marginally is formed from marginal plus the adverbial suffix -ly. Marginal derives from Latin marginalis, meaning “pertaining to a margin” or “situated at the edge,” while margin traces to Latin margo, meaning “edge” or “border.” The same root underlies marginalia, the plural form of a term for notes or comments written in the margin.
How marginally is actually used
Marginally is formal and neutral, especially common in business, academic, statistical, and technical contexts. It often indicates that a change or difference is measurable but small.
Easily confused with marginally
Marginal is an adjective meaning relating to an edge or belonging to a narrow margin, while marginally is the adverb meaning to a slight extent.