What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
marginalize
Example
The government's policies have marginalized the minority communities. [marginalize: verb]
Example
The company's decision to cut funding for the project will marginalize its importance. [marginalize: verb]
ostracize
Example
After the scandal, the celebrity was ostracized by the industry. [ostracize: verb]
Example
The new student was ostracized by his classmates for being different. [ostracized: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Marginalize is more commonly used than ostracize in everyday language. Marginalize is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ostracize is less common and usually reserved for more severe situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between marginalize and ostracize?
Both marginalize and ostracize are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as politics, sociology, or psychology.
