adv C1 Advanced Uncommon

marginally

MAHD-zhih-nuh-lee

Marginally (adv) means to a very small degree; only slightly. Example: “Sales were marginally higher than last quarter.”

adv

To a very small degree; only slightly.

"Sales were marginally higher than last quarter."

"The new model is marginally faster than the old one."

How to use marginally

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBarely, or only by a small amount.

Common pairings

marginally better marginally higher marginally faster

more marginally comparative, most marginally superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Can you complete this real example?

Sales were _____ higher than last quarter.

From marginal plus the adverbial suffix -ly.

ally bally sally Wally dally rally tally pally really locally usually equally

What does “marginally” mean?

The word “marginally” means to a very small degree; only slightly. In plain terms, barely, or only by a small amount.

How do you pronounce “marginally”?

“Marginally” is pronounced MAHD-zhih-nuh-lee (/ˈmɑɹd͡ʒɪnəli/ in IPA).

How do you use “marginally” in a sentence?

Here is “marginally” used in a sentence: “Sales were marginally higher than last quarter.”

What part of speech is “marginally”?

“Marginally” is an adverb.

Is “marginally” a common word?

“Marginally” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.