Margins: meaning, definitions and examples

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margins

 

[ ˈmɑːdʒɪnz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in books

The blank border on each side of the print on a page.

Synonyms

border, edge, perimeter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
margins

Use 'margins' when referring to the white space around the text on a printed page or the amount of profit a business makes.

  • Please adjust the margins so the text fits the page.
  • The company's profit margins have improved this quarter.
border

Use 'border' when talking about the dividing line between two countries, areas, or regions, as well as the edge of something decorative or protective.

  • The border between the two countries is heavily guarded.
  • She added a floral border to the edges of the quilt.
edge

Use 'edge' to refer to the outer limit of an object, surface, or area, or a sharp side formed by the intersection of two surfaces of an object.

  • He stood on the edge of the cliff, looking down.
  • Be careful with that knife; the edge is very sharp.
perimeter

Use 'perimeter' to describe the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure, or the outermost limits of an area or object.

  • The perimeter of the rectangle is calculated by adding all its sides.
  • Security guards patrolled the perimeter of the facility.

Examples of usage

  • The text is aligned with the left margin.
  • She wrote notes in the margins of her textbook.
Context #2 | Noun

in economics

The amount by which revenue from sales exceeds costs in a business.

Synonyms

markup, profit margin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
margins

Use when discussing the difference between the selling price of a product and the cost of the product. Commonly used in business and retail contexts.

  • The company's margins have decreased due to rising production costs.
  • We need to calculate the margins to determine if the product is profitable.
profit margin

Specifically refers to the percentage of profit made from selling a product. Used in financial analysis and accounting. It's more specific than the general term 'margins'.

  • The profit margin for this quarter was higher than expected.
  • Maintaining a healthy profit margin is crucial for business sustainability.
markup

Used when referring to the amount added to the cost price of goods to cover overhead and profit. Often used in pricing strategies and retail.

  • The markup on this product is 20%.
  • They decided to increase the markup to improve their profit margins.

Examples of usage

  • The company needs to increase its margins to improve profitability.
  • Higher margins lead to higher profits.
Context #3 | Noun

in politics

The prevailing trend or tendency of public opinion or of the media.

Synonyms

extremes, tendency, trend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
margins

Similar to the first margin, it's used to describe the edges or borders; seeing it twice could be a repetition error, but the usage remains the same.

  • Check the margins before printing the document.
  • The margins of the book were decorated with intricate designs.
trend

This word is most appropriate when talking about the general direction in which something is developing or changing.

  • The current trend in fashion is casual wear.
  • There's a trend towards remote work post-pandemic.
  • The trend shows increasing global temperatures.
tendency

Best used when describing a natural inclination or pattern of behavior over time.

  • She has a tendency to procrastinate.
  • There's a tendency for people to follow the crowd.
  • The tendency to avoid conflict is common.
extremes

This word is suitable when talking about the farthest degree of something, often conveying the idea of being at the outer limits and can imply negative or intense situations.

  • The weather conditions varied from one extreme to another.
  • They went to extremes to achieve their goal.
  • His views are considered to be too extreme by some.

Examples of usage

  • The margins of the political spectrum are becoming more polarized.
  • The candidate won by a narrow margin.

Translations

Translations of the word "margins" in other languages:

🇵🇹 margens

🇮🇳 किनारे

🇩🇪 Ränder

🇮🇩 tepi

🇺🇦 поля

🇵🇱 marginesy

🇯🇵 余白 (よはく)

🇫🇷 marges

🇪🇸 márgenes

🇹🇷 kenarlar

🇰🇷 여백

🇸🇦 هوامش

🇨🇿 okraje

🇸🇰 okraje

🇨🇳 边缘

🇸🇮 robovi

🇮🇸 jaðar

🇰🇿 жиегі

🇬🇪 ზღვარი

🇦🇿 kənar

🇲🇽 márgenes

Etymology

The word 'margins' originated from the Latin word 'margo', meaning 'edge'. Over time, it has evolved to represent not only the blank spaces around printed material but also the profit edge in business and the prevailing trend in politics.

See also: marginal, marginally.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,196 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.