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marginal area

[ˈmɑːrdʒɪnəl ˈɛəriə]
nounpl: marginal areas
área marginal
1. A geographic region or zone that is on the periphery or fringe of a city, country, or economic system; an area with limited development or resources
The government invested in infrastructure projects in marginal areas to reduce regional inequality.
O governo investiu em projetos de infraestrutura em áreas marginais para reduzir a desigualdade regional.
2. In biology or ecology, an area at the edge of a habitat or ecosystem with transitional characteristics
The marginal area of the wetland supports unique plant and animal species.
A área marginal do pântano suporta espécies de plantas e animais únicas.
3. An economically disadvantaged or underdeveloped region with limited opportunities
Many residents of marginal areas struggle to access quality education and healthcare.
Muitos residentes de áreas marginais têm dificuldade em acessar educação e saúde de qualidade.
Synonyms
peripheral areafringe areaborderlandoutskirtsunderdeveloped region
Antonyms
central areaurban coredeveloped areametropolitan center

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
área marginal
Standard term used in urban planning and geography contexts
Rio de Janeiro
periferia
More commonly used in colloquial contexts to refer to underdeveloped neighborhoods
São Paulo
área marginal / periferia
Both terms are used; periferia is more common in everyday speech
Portugal
área periférica / zona marginal
Formal term in academic and planning documents; periférica more common in general usage

Related Idioms & Phrases

on the margins of society
push to the margins
marginalize a community
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