marginally
Meaning
to a very small extent; slightly.
in a way that is not central or of primary importance.
Structure
Usage
the new treatment is only marginally more effective than the old one.
his name was mentioned only marginally in the official report.
the company's profits increased marginally this quarter.
Etymology
the word "marginally" originates from the latin noun margo, meaning "edge" or "border." this root passed into middle english via old french marge, evolving into "margin" to denote a physical boundary or limit. the addition of the latin-derived adjectival suffix "-al" created "marginal," meaning "pertaining to an edge" or "of secondary importance." finally, the old english adverbial suffix "-ly" was appended, forming "marginally" to describe an action or state existing at the very edge of significance—only to a minimal degree or in a non-central manner. this etymological journey illustrates a shift from a concrete spatial concept to an abstract qualitative one.
Analysis
- margin: from latin margo (edge, border, brink). functions as the core noun root. - al: from latin -alis (pertaining to). functions as a suffix forming adjectives. - ly: from old english -līce (having the qualities of). functions as a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.