What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
marginally
Example
The company's profits increased marginally this quarter. [marginally: adverb]
Example
The new policy has only marginally affected our daily operations. [marginally: adverb]
slightly
Example
I'm feeling slightly better today. [slightly: adverb]
Example
The temperature dropped slightly overnight. [slightly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slightly is more commonly used than marginally in everyday language, making it a more accessible word for ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between marginally and slightly?
Marginally is more formal than slightly and is often used in academic or technical writing, while slightly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
