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.

Adverb

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