nieznacznie

Nieznacznie is a Polish adverb used to express a small degree or barely noticeable extent. It translates roughly as "slightly" or "insignificantly" and modifies adjectives, other adverbs, or verbs to indicate that a change or quality is minor.

The term is common in formal, scientific, and journalistic language, as well as everyday speech when a precise, cautious nuance is desired. It can describe small differences in measurements, outcomes, or characteristics, for example: "Różnica była nieznacznie większa niż w ubiegłym roku" or "Cena nieznacznie spadła." It often appears with verbs such as być (to be), zmieniać się (to change), or różnić się (to differ).

Etymology and usage notes: nieznacznie is formed from the negating prefix nie- attached to znacznie, which comes from znaczny meaning significant or considerable. Hence nieznacznie literally conveys “not in a significant way,” but idiomatically it means “to a small extent.” In statistical or technical contexts it can convey that a difference is only marginal.

Synonyms and contrasts: related expressions include nieco (a little), minimalnie (minimally), delikatnie (delicately). Antonyms include znacznie or wyraźnie (significantly, markedly). Nieznacznie is typically more formal and precise than nieco, signaling a subtle, barely perceptible degree rather than a casual approximation.

Examples:

- Różnica jest nieznacznie większa niż rok temu.

- Koszt nieznacznie spadł w ostatnim kwartale.

- Wyniki były nieznacznie gorsze niż oczekiwano.