narrowly

/'nærouli/
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Thân thiện
narrowly

He narrowly avoided stepping on a crack in the sidewalk.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • In a narrow manner; with little margin or allowance: This refers to doing something with very little room for variation, error, or difference. It often implies a strict, limited, or precise interpretation or margin.
    • By a very small margin; almost not: This meaning indicates that something almost did not happen or was barely achieved or avoided.
Usage
  • To interpret or define narrowly: To understand or explain something in a strict, limited, or specific way, without considering broader possibilities.
  • To escape, avoid, or win narrowly: To succeed or fail by a very small margin, emphasizing how close the outcome was.
Examples
  • Interpreting in a narrow manner:
    • The judge interpreted the constitutional clause narrowly, limiting its application to only the most explicit cases.
    • He defines success narrowly, focusing only on financial wealth.
  • By a very small margin:
    • The bill passed narrowly, by just two votes.
    • She narrowly missed the train; the doors closed just as she reached the platform.
    • The driver narrowly avoided a collision by swerving at the last second.
Advanced Usage
  • "To focus narrowly": To concentrate on a very specific aspect or detail, excluding other considerations.
    • The investigation is focusing narrowly on the financial transactions from last month.
  • "To be narrowly defeated": To lose by a very small margin.
    • The champion was narrowly defeated in a surprising upset.
Variants and Related Words
  • Narrow (adjective): Of small width; limited in scope or extent.
    • The path was too narrow for the car.
  • Narrowness (noun): The quality or state of being narrow.
    • The narrowness of his views prevented him from seeing the bigger picture.
Synonyms
  • Barely: Only just; almost not.
    • He barely passed the exam.
  • Just: Exactly or by a very small margin.
    • The ball was just out of bounds.
  • Closely: With little difference or margin; in a careful and attentive way.
    • The two candidates were closely matched.
Antonyms
  • Broadly: In a wide manner; generally; without limitations.
    • The rule was applied broadly to all employees.
  • Widely: To a great degree; by a large margin.
    • The theory is widely accepted by scientists.
  • Comfortably: With a large or sufficient margin; without difficulty.
    • She won the race comfortably.
Related Phrases
  • A narrow escape/squeak: A situation where danger or failure is avoided only by a very small margin.
    • Surviving the avalanche was a narrow escape.
  • A narrow victory/win: A win achieved by a very small margin.
    • The election resulted in a narrow victory for the incumbent.
narrowly

He narrowly avoided stepping on a crack in the sidewalk.

Adverb
  1. in a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptions
    • he interprets the law narrowly