Marginalise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marginalise

[ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

social

To treat someone or something as unimportant or not worth considering, often leading to exclusion or discrimination.

Synonyms

disenfranchise, disregard, exclude, neglect, ostracize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
marginalise	This term is often used in social and political discussions to describe the act of pushing a group of people to the edges of society, where they have minimal power or influence. It is generally used in contexts where certain communities or minorities are being ignored or underrepresented. The new policies will further marginalise immigrants in the country. Activists are fighting against laws that marginalise the LGBTQ+ community.
exclude	This word is often used in everyday and formal contexts to indicate the act of deliberately not including someone or something. Exclusion can be physical, social, or conceptual. She felt excluded from the group activities. The report excludes data from smaller studies.
disenfranchise	This word is commonly used in political contexts to describe the act of depriving someone of their right to vote or other rights. It emphasizes the loss of legal rights or privileges, often affecting voters or minority groups. Many citizens were disenfranchised due to the restrictive voting laws. The regime's tactics to disenfranchise certain groups led to widespread protests.
disregard	This term is used in both casual and formal contexts to express a lack of attention or concern for something or someone. It can imply neglect or a deliberate decision to ignore. He showed complete disregard for the safety guidelines. Her complaints were disregarded by the management.
neglect	This word is generally used to describe the failure to care for or give attention to someone or something, often resulting in negative consequences. It can be used in personal, social, or legal contexts. The garden was neglected for years and became overgrown. The child's basic needs were neglected by his parents.
ostracize	This term is often used in social contexts to describe the act of deliberately excluding someone from a group or society. It has a strong negative connotation and implies a social punishment. They ostracized him after he made a controversial statement. In ancient Greece, citizens could be ostracized for ten years.

Examples of usage

She felt marginalized by her colleagues at work.
The government's policies have marginalized certain ethnic groups.
The community center aims to help marginalized individuals.
Being marginalized can have negative effects on mental health.
It is important to address the marginalization of vulnerable populations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

economic

To relegate to a lower position in society or economy, limiting access to resources and opportunities.

Synonyms

deprive, displace, impoverish, subjugate, undermine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
marginalise	Use when describing the process of making a group or individual feel insignificant or less important within a society or community. The new policy tends to marginalise small business owners. She felt marginalised after being excluded from the decision-making process.
displace	Describes situations where people are forced to leave their homes or positions, often due to external forces like war, natural disasters, or political actions. Thousands of residents were displaced after the hurricane. The project displaced many long-time employees.
deprive	Best used when someone or something is denied access to something they need or desire. The war deprived many families of basic necessities. Children should not be deprived of an education.
impoverish	This term is used to describe the action of making someone or a group very poor, both financially and in terms of quality of life. The economic crisis continues to impoverish the rural areas. Environmental degradation can impoverish entire communities.
subjugate	Has a negative connotation and is used when one group or person dominates or controls another forcefully. The dictator aimed to subjugate the neighboring countries. Throughout history, many leaders have tried to subjugate other nations.
undermine	Used to describe the act of weakening or damaging something or someone, often secretly or gradually. His comments were intended to undermine her authority. Continuous stress can undermine your health.

Examples of usage

Globalization has marginalized small-scale farmers.
The company's decision to outsource labor marginalized local workers.
The rapid technological advancements are marginalizing certain industries.
The economic policies favored by the government have marginalized the middle class.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'marginalise' comes from the Latin word 'margo,' meaning 'edge' or 'border.'
In the 1960s, the concept gained traction in social sciences, especially in discussions around civil rights and social justice.
It reflects societal structures that often push certain groups away from mainstream culture, highlighting power dynamics.

Sociology

Social marginalisation often affects minority groups, leading to isolation and lack of support.
It can manifest in various forms, such as economic, racial, or gender-based, impacting access to resources and opportunities.
Communities can mobilize to combat marginalisation through activism and awareness, aiming for inclusion and representation.

Psychology

Being marginalised can lead to feelings of low self-worth and depression due to lack of belonging.
Research indicates that social exclusion impacts mental health, increasing anxiety and decreasing overall life satisfaction.
The psychological effects can be long-term, influencing one’s worldview and social connections.

Literature

Many literary works explore themes of marginalisation, showcasing characters who struggle with being on society’s fringes.
Authors like Toni Morrison and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie delve deeply into the experiences of marginalized voices in their narratives.
Literature often serves as a powerful tool for amplifying the stories of those who are sidelined or silenced.

Pop Culture

Songs and movies frequently address marginalisation, reflecting societal issues and calling for change, such as in the works of filmmakers like Spike Lee.
Social media has become a platform for highlighting marginalisation, allowing underrepresented voices to be heard and mobilized.
Celebrities often use their influence to raise awareness about marginalised communities, promoting inclusivity.

Origin of 'marginalise'

The word 'marginalise' originated from the Latin word 'marginalis', meaning 'of an edge or boundary'. It first appeared in English in the mid-19th century. The concept of marginalization has been studied extensively in social sciences, highlighting power dynamics and inequalities within societies. Marginalization can occur in various forms, such as social, economic, or political, and often leads to exclusion and disadvantage for certain groups or individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,724, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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