WordGarden.ionarrow
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈærəʊ/
US
- /ˈnæroʊ/
Meanings
Adjective
not wide; having little distance from side to side
limited in range, scope, or extent
won, avoided, or achieved by only a small margin
More meaningsFewer meanings
limited in outlook and not open to different ideas or people
Verb
to become or make less wide
to reduce the range, number, or possibilities
Beyond the definition
Think of a narrow path winding through a forest—it's not wide open, but squeezed between the trees. "Narrow" describes something that is small in width or has a limited range. A narrow escape means you just barely avoided danger, while a narrow mind is unwilling to consider other viewpoints. You might have a narrow focus when working on a detailed project, paying attention to just one part.
The word often implies restriction: not enough room, not enough options, or not enough understanding. If the cut of your jeans is too narrow, they might feel uncomfortable! Similarly, if a debate becomes too narrow, it means the participants are no longer considering the bigger picture.
"Narrow" is a versatile word used to describe something limited in width, extent, or scope. It can be literal—like a narrow street barely wide enough for one car—or figurative, describing qualities of thought and opportunity. For example: "The bridge was so narrow that we had to take turns crossing."
When discussing ideas or perspectives, "narrow" suggests a lack of breadth or openness. A narrow-minded person is unwilling to accept different viewpoints, while a narrow interpretation of a rule focuses on the most literal meaning without considering the broader context.
Furthermore, "narrow" describes situations involving a slim margin. A narrow victory means winning by a very small amount, and a narrow escape implies you were lucky to avoid a negative outcome. Think of a tightrope walker—they have a very narrow path to success!
The word's roots come from Old English, meaning "close-fitting" or "constricted." This sense of restriction is at the heart of its many meanings. Whether it is a physical space, a mental outlook, or a close call—if something lacks width, openness, or a margin for error, it is narrow.
Examples
- 1
Roads
The road became narrow as we drove into the mountains.
- 2
Small spaces
There was only a narrow gap between the bed and the wall.
- 3
Path shape
The path narrows after the bridge.
- 4
Close result
She won the race by a narrow margin.
- Phraseby a narrow margin
by only a small amount
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Near accident
We had a narrow escape when a truck missed our car by a few centimeters.
- Phrasenarrow escape
a situation where something bad almost happened
- 6
Report scope
The report focuses on a narrow range of issues.
- 7
Limited thinking
Try not to take such a narrow view of the problem.
- Phrasenarrow view
a limited way of thinking about something
- 8
Selection
The list of applicants has been narrowed to five.
- Patternnarrow something to + number/choice
reduce it to a smaller number or choice
- 9
Planning
We need to narrow down our options before we book the trip.
- Phrasenarrow down
reduce the number of choices
See also
Forms and spellings
6 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- narrowverbadjectivenoun
Forms
- narrowedpast tenseverbadjectivenoun
- narrowercomparativeadjectiveverbnoun
- narrowing-ing formverbadjectivenoun
- narrowsverbadjectivenoun
- narrowestsuperlativeadjectiveverbnoun