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Marginalize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marginalize

[ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəˌlaɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in society

To treat someone or something as insignificant or unimportant, often by excluding them from decision-making processes or social activities.

Synonyms

disenfranchise, exclude, ostracize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marginalize

Use 'marginalize' when someone is being treated as if they are not important or have less power compared to others.

  • In the company, women often feel marginalized because they are rarely given leadership roles
exclude

Use 'exclude' when someone or something is being left out or not included in a group or activity.

  • They decided to exclude him from the meeting because he was not prepared
ostracize

Use 'ostracize' when someone is being intentionally avoided or rejected by a group, often with negative intent.

  • After the scandal, the community began to ostracize her, and she had to move to a different city
disenfranchise

Use 'disenfranchise' when someone is being deprived of their rights or privileges, especially the right to vote.

  • New laws might disenfranchise many voters by making it harder for them to register

Examples of usage

  • Many minority groups feel marginalized in our society.
  • The voices of women are often marginalized in discussions about leadership roles.
Context #2 | Verb

politics

To relegate a group to a lower or outer edge, as of social or political influence.

Synonyms

isolate, marginalise, push to the sidelines.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marginalize

This word is commonly used in social, political, and organizational contexts to describe the process of making a person or group less important or peripheral.

  • Women often feel marginalized in a male-dominated workplace
isolate

This word is generally used to describe the act of keeping someone or something apart from others. It can be used in both physical and social contexts.

  • The patient was isolated to prevent the spread of infection
marginalise

Same as 'marginalize,' but used in British English.

  • Indigenous languages are often marginalised by dominant cultures
push to the sidelines

This phrase is used informally to describe the act of excluding someone from receiving attention or being part of important activities.

  • She felt pushed to the sidelines in the planning of the event

Examples of usage

  • The political party sought to marginalize its opponents by spreading negative propaganda.
  • The marginalized communities are often neglected in political decision-making processes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Marginalization can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem among affected individuals.
  • People who experience marginalization often face challenges in accessing resources and opportunities.
  • Psychological studies indicate that constant marginalization can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Social Issues

  • Various groups, including racial minorities and LGBTQ+ individuals, often face marginalization in society.
  • Marginalization can be both systemic, influenced by policies and institutions, and interpersonal, occurring in everyday interactions.
  • Efforts like affirmative action and inclusive policies aim to combat marginalization and promote equity.

History

  • Throughout history, marginalized communities have often been at the forefront of social change and activism.
  • The suffragette movement sought to address the marginalization of women in voting and political representation.
  • Indigenous peoples worldwide have fought against marginalization to reclaim their rights and cultures.

Pop Culture

  • Many films and books highlight stories of marginalized characters, emphasizing their struggles and triumphs.
  • Music genres like hip-hop often discuss themes of marginalization and societal inequality.
  • Television series are increasingly portraying diverse stories to challenge the status quo of marginalization.

Origin of 'marginalize'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originated from the Latin word 'marginis', meaning 'edge' or 'border'.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 20th century, becoming more prominent in social sciences.
  • The concept expands beyond mere placement; it signifies social exclusion and lack of representation.

The word 'marginalize' originated in the mid-19th century from the word 'marginal', which comes from Latin 'marginalis' meaning 'bordering'. The concept of marginalization has been present throughout history, particularly in the context of social and political power dynamics.

See also: marginalise, marginalised, marginalized.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,711 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.