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margin

Definition

  • noun: the part of a page that is above, below, or to the side of the printed part
  • noun: the part of a page or sheet outside the main body of printed or written matter
  • verb: to provide with an edging or border
  • often used figuratively in the phrase 'on the margins' or ('US') 'on the margin'
  • synonyms: abut, adjoin, aesthetic distance

Examples

  • The poll indicates that the President is supported by 54 percent of the voters, with a 'margin of error' of 3 percent. [=it is possible that as few as 51 percent or as many as 57 percent of the voters support the President]

  • We are trying to improve medical care for poor families living 'on the margins' of society. [=poor families who are often forgotten or ignored by society]

  • The business has been operating 'on the margins' of respectability. [=has been operating in a way that is not truly respectable]

Movie quotes

  • (..) seconds remaining in the game... NYC leads, to . Hey, they're taking out your boy. The only question remaining now is what NYC's final margin will be. Jon, the only man who hasn't had a good ball game has been Lewis... and he's usually the man Coach Beck expects the most from. (..)
    1974 The Gambler