Margins

Margins refer to the blank spaces surrounding the text or content on a page, document, or other medium. They also denote the difference between the selling price and the cost of goods or services, representing profit. Furthermore, 'margins' can signify the acceptable limit or degree of variation, often in a context of error, safety, or performance. It can also refer to the outer edge of something. Finally, in financial contexts, 'margins' may involve the collateral held against a loan or the percentage of an investment that an investor borrows. The meaning is dependent on the context.

Margins meaning with examples

• The editor instructed me to adjust the margins on the document to improve readability, creating more space around the text for a cleaner layout. We needed wider margins on the top and bottom. This made a big difference, allowing the reader's eye to flow across the text. She used the word processor's formatting tools to change the margins, carefully following the publication guidelines and creating an aesthetically pleasing design for the reader.
• The company's profit margins were significantly impacted by rising production costs and fierce competition, leading to lower returns. After conducting the detailed review of income and expenses, the company president addressed the need to boost sales and improve cost controls. The margins were thin, so management looked to increase product efficiency to ensure long-term profitability in this competitive environment.
• The aircraft's safety features provide substantial margins for error, ensuring that minor deviations in performance do not jeopardize flight safety. These were extensively tested during manufacturing. The engineers built in these safety margins into every aspect of the design, especially for the critical components, allowing the aircraft to handle unexpected turbulence or minor mechanical failures with ease and safety.
• The artist carefully applied paint to the margins of the canvas, creating a sense of depth and enclosure for the focal point of the painting. The subtle play of light and shadow along the margins drew the viewer's eye inward, emphasizing the central image and its importance. The thoughtful treatment of the margins helped create the desired impact and add to the beauty of the artwork.
• Investors are often required to put up margins, or collateral, to cover potential losses when trading on credit. The loan provided margins to secure their initial investment. The broker calls the investor when margins need to be increased. This mitigates risk in the market. The client's account required additional funds to maintain the required margins and continue the trades.