What does negligibly mean?
Negligibly is an adverb meaning “to a negligible degree,” or in an amount so small that it does not matter. It is especially common in scientific, technical, statistical, and other formal contexts: a difference between two measurements may be described as negligibly small, while a policy may affect revenue negligibly. The word often conveys precision rather than casual dismissal, indicating that an effect has been considered and found insignificant. At the same time, it can be used conversationally to emphasize that something is too slight to be important. Negligibly should not be confused with negligently, which describes conduct performed carelessly. Knowing the distinction helps clarify whether a statement concerns the small size of an effect or the inadequate care with which an action was carried out.
adverbTo an extent that is so small as to be insignificant or unimportant.
- In an amount or degree that is too small to be significant or worth considering.
"The revised design improved efficiency and reduced costs negligibly."
"The two measurements differed negligibly and were therefore treated as identical."
"Rainfall during the month was negligibly below the seasonal average."
Negligibly turns the mathematical idea of a tiny difference into a firmly dismissive verdict: too small to matter.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does negligibly come from?
Negligibly is the adverb formed from negligible, which was borrowed from Late Latin negligibilis, meaning “negligible” or “not to be regarded.” Negligible in turn comes from Latin negligere, formed from neg-, meaning “not,” and legere, meaning “to pick out” or “attend to.” The same Latin root produced neglect, negligence, and negligent in English.
How negligibly is actually used
Common in formal, scientific, technical, and quantitative contexts, though it can also be used conversationally for emphasis. It describes the insignificance of a difference or effect, not the manner of performing an action.
Easily confused with negligibly
Negligibly means by such a small amount that the difference is unimportant, whereas negligently means in a careless or irresponsible manner.
Negligible is the adjective meaning too small or unimportant to matter, while negligibly is its adverb form.