marginal
Meaning
very small in amount or effect
not part of a main or important group or situation
written or printed in the margin of a page
Structure
Usage
the difference in cost is marginal.
the issue is of marginal importance to most voters.
she made some marginal notes in the textbook.
Etymology
The word 'marginal' originates from the Latin noun 'margo', meaning 'edge' or 'border'. The adjective-forming suffix '-alis' was added to create 'marginalis', signifying 'pertaining to the edge'. This literal sense was used in medieval manuscripts to describe notes written in the margins of a page. Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to describe anything situated at the edge of importance, activity, or size, leading to its modern senses of being small, insignificant, or peripheral.
Analysis
margin (from latin 'margo, marginis' meaning edge, border; functions as the core noun root). al (from latin '-alis', an adjective-forming suffix; functions as a derivational suffix meaning 'pertaining to').