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Definition of marginalize

marginalize

/ˈmɑːr.dʒə.nə.laɪz/
(UK: marginalise)
mar · gin · al · ize
Adjective:marginalized
•
Past Simple:marginalized
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Past Participle:marginalized
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Present Participle:marginalizing
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marginalize Lexical Profile

marginalize Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To treat a person, group, or concept as insignificant or peripheral, relegating them to an unimportant or powerless position within a society or group.

Example

"Economic policies that ignore rural communities often marginalize low-income families."

2

To write notes in the margin of a book or document, or to furnish a page with margins (rare).

Example

"Scholars in the Renaissance frequently used ink to marginalize their classical manuscripts with commentary."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

margin
marginal
marginalization
marginalize
marginalized
marginally
marginated tortoise

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 19th century from 'marginal' (ultimately from Latin margo, meaning 'edge' or 'border') plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize'. Its modern sociological sense of relegating a group to a powerless position on the fringes of society became widespread in the late 1960s.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Marginalize. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/marginalize
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