marginalized
adjective
Tamar MayerSusan M. Squier
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Marginalized Writing vs. Marginalized People
Marginalize provides a striking case of how thoroughly the figurative use of a word can take over the literal one. The original (and now obsolete) meaning of this word, “to write notes in the margin of,” is analogous to the still-familiar noun marginalia, “marginal notes or embellishments." A margin is, of course, the blank space surrounding the text in a book. Just prior to 1970, marginalize took on the sense that is most commonly encountered today, “to relegate to an unimportant or powerless position” (that is, to the metaphorical margins of society). This use of the verb can be found as far back as 1968; an article in The Los Angeles Times from June 20th of that year reports, “[T]he Negro was kept aside, marginalized, thus composing in its large majority the chronically poor.” In its newer sense, marginalize has assumed a much more prominent place in the vocabulary than it once had.
Examples of marginalized in a Sentence
David Silverberg, JSTOR Daily, 29 Jan. 2025
According to James, the political climate in America is increasingly dangerous for many marginalized communities.
—Lydia Patrick, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025
Funding, industry connections, and market access aren’t easily obtained for independent creators, especially those from marginalized communities.
—Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 10 Feb. 2025
State of play: This week, IF's focus is furthering a partnership forged last year with local nonprofit Flanner House to break down barriers for marginalized Hoosiers who want to pursue arts education, and to create free and low-cost theatrical experiences for residents on Indy's Northwest side.
—Justin L. MacK, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Marginalized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marginalized. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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