marginalize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "marginalize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the process of excluding someone or a certain group from a position of power or influence, or of making them seem unimportant. Example sentence: The government's policy to marginalize minority groups has been heavily criticized.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's no coincidence that divided government produced the 1986 tax reform and the 1996 welfare reform, the great reforms of their respective eras.Two-party rule also helps to marginalize partisan extremists and curb ideological excess.

The Economist

Systematic discrimination and exclusion from national and local political decision making, the appropriation of ethnic minorities' traditional homelands, and policies that marginalize ethnic minorities are common practices accompanying ethnic conflict.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fact that many of the surviving languages are endangered and some are even on the point of extinction bears testimony to inexorable social, economic, linguistic, and demographic forces that continue to marginalize and consume indigenous linguistic and cultural minorities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You don't put them out there for show and then marginalize them".

Independent

President Erdoğan's plans to marginalize the Kurds' political influence both in Turkey and Syria seem set to backfire, and the Syrian Kurds have just opened their first foreign representation in Moscow.

Independent

Over the longer run, they will help marginalize the party.

The New Yorker

QUESTION FROM DAN MCCARTHY: As a Wiccan, I find it troubling the way you marginalize certain non-conventional belief systems; in your article, there seems to be a tone of condescension wrought throughout.

The New Yorker

"But if he did — and he might have, and he ended up doing it — I just thought it was going to really be a lot harder to marginalize two candidates saying the same thing, as opposed to one".

The New Yorker

Chester has little regard for the advertising industry, but he knows that if he railed against hucksterism and commercialism it would marginalize him, so he has stressed the privacy issue.

The New Yorker

Although few interesting young theatre artists can entirely ignore those titanic figures, most work hard to exorcise, or at least marginalize, their influence.

The New Yorker

"He is trying to marginalize the legislature," Kuehl continued.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about societal issues, use "marginalize" to accurately depict the systemic disadvantage and social exclusion of specific groups. This adds precision and impact to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "marginalize" to describe isolated incidents of bias. The term refers to systemic actions or policies that consistently disadvantage a group, not individual prejudices.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "marginalize" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of relegating someone or something to a lower or outer edge, diminishing their importance or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is used correctly in written English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts such as political influence and social dynamics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "marginalize" is a transitive verb frequently used to describe the act of pushing individuals or groups to the edge of society, diminishing their influence and access to resources. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts, particularly within news, encyclopedias, and scientific discussions. When using "marginalize", it's crucial to differentiate between systemic disadvantage and individual bias to ensure accurate and impactful communication. Alternatives like "exclude", "subordinate", and "trivialize" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Given its frequent use and clear definition, "marginalize" remains a valuable term for analyzing power dynamics and social inequalities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sideline

To remove from the center of activity or attention; to place in a less influential position.

Invisibilize

To make something or someone not visible or noticeable, either literally or figuratively.

Trivialize

To make something seem less important, significant, or complex than it really is, thus reducing its perceived value.

Relegate

To consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position.

Discredit

To harm the reputation of someone or something, causing them to be seen as unreliable or unworthy of respect.

Push aside

To disregard or ignore someone's opinion or feelings; to treat someone as unimportant.

Disparage

To regard or represent as being of little worth. Focuses on actively belittling or devaluing.

Exclude

Preventing someone or something from accessing a place, group, or privilege.

Subordinate

To treat or regard as of lesser importance than something else. It highlights a hierarchical relationship.

Ostracize

To exclude from a society or group.

FAQs

How is "marginalize" typically used in a sentence?

The word "marginalize" is used to describe the act of pushing individuals or groups to the edge of society by limiting their access to resources, power, and opportunities. For instance, "Policies can "marginalize" minority communities".

What are some alternatives to using "marginalize"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "exclude", "subordinate", or "trivialize". Each of these words carries slightly different nuances.

What's the difference between "marginalize" and "oppress"?

"Marginalize" refers to pushing a group to the fringes of society, limiting their access to power and resources. "Oppress", on the other hand, involves active and often violent suppression and control. "Oppress" implies a more forceful and direct form of domination.

Is "marginalize" the same as "ignore"?

While both terms involve a lack of attention or consideration, "marginalize" specifically implies a reduction in power or importance, often leading to systemic disadvantage. "Ignore" simply means to not pay attention to something, without necessarily implying a power dynamic or systemic effect.