Cool MateMargin
UK /["/ˈmɑːdʒɪn/"]/US /["/ˈmɑːrdʒɪn/"]/
Definition
the empty space at the side of a written or printed page
In simple words: The space around the edges of a page or the difference in amount.
Examples
- The company reported a significant increase in profit margin this quarter.
- To ensure success, we need to operate within a comfortable margin of error.
- He prefers to keep a margin between his personal and professional life.
- The margin for the budget was too tight to accommodate any unexpected expenses.
- Make sure to leave a margin when you print your documents to avoid cutting off any text.
Usage notes
Used in both writing (like page layout) and finance (like profit margin). Avoid ambiguous use in casual conversation.
Grammar pattern
margin + noun/object
Memory hint
Think of a book page's border — the 'margin' is where notes might stay.
Collocations
- generous
- wide
- narrow
- adjust
- leave
- set
- at the margin
- in the margin
- winning
- comfortable
- considerable
- have
- by a margin
- margin over
- by the largest, narrowest, etc. of margins
- a margin of victory
- fat
- high
- large
- achieve
- have
- operate at
- increase
- widen
- narrow
- at a margin
- margin on
- good
- greater
- wide
- allow (somebody/something)
- give (somebody/something)
- leave
- margin for
- a margin for error
- a margin of error
- a margin of safety
Synonyms
- fringe
Antonyms
- center
- core
- main part
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'marginal' which has a different meaning.
- Using 'margin' in place of 'border' when referring to design elements.