/ ˈnærəʊ; NAmE -roʊ/ adjective , verb
■ adjective ( nar·row·er , nar·row·est )
1.
measuring a short distance from one side to the other, especially in relation to length :
narrow streets
a narrow bed / doorway / shelf
narrow shoulders / hips
There was only a narrow gap between the bed and the wall.
( figurative )
the narrow confines of prison life
OPP broad , wide
2.
[ usually before noun ] only just achieved or avoided :
a narrow victory
He lost the race by the narrowest of margins .
She was elected by a narrow majority .
He had a narrow escape when his car skidded on the ice.
3.
limited in a way that ignores important issues or the opinions of other people :
narrow interests
She has a very narrow view of the world.
OPP broad
4.
limited in variety or numbers
SYN restricted :
The shop sells only a narrow range of goods.
a narrow circle of friends
OPP wide
5.
limited in meaning; exact :
I am using the word 'education' in the narrower sense.
OPP broad
► nar·row·ness noun [ U ]:
The narrowness of the streets caused many traffic problems.
We were surprised by the narrowness of our victory.
His attitudes show a certain narrowness of mind.
•
IDIOMS
see straight noun
■ verb
to become or make sth narrower :
[ v ]
This is where the river narrows.
The gap between the two teams has narrowed to three points.
Her eyes narrowed (= almost closed) menacingly.
[ vn ]
He narrowed his eyes at her.
We need to try and narrow the health divide between rich and poor.
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- narrow sth down (to sth)
••
SYNONYMS
narrow / thin
These adjectives are frequently used with the following nouns:
| narrow ~ | thin ~ |
| road | man |
| entrance | legs |
| bed | ice |
| stairs | line |
| majority | layer |
| victory | material |
| range | cream |
Narrow describes something that is a short distance from side to side. Thin describes people, or something that has a short distance through it from one side to the other.
Thin is also used of things that are not as thick as you expect. Narrow can be used with the meanings 'only just achieved' and 'limited'.
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English nearu , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch naar dismal, unpleasant and German Narbe scar. Early senses in English included constricted and mean .