narrow
(adjective, verb)
past tense: narrowed
LISTEN
A narrow street
Narrow means ‘not wide.’
- Their alley was too narrow for the large truck.
- The bedroom was so narrow that there was only room for a bed.
- When Mother is angy, her eyes become narrow.
Narrow also means ‘almost not successful.’
- The woman made a narrow escape from the house fire.
Narrow can also mean ‘to limit the size or width.’
- Be careful; the road narrows ahead.
- The political candidate promised to narrow the gap between rich and poor.
Narrow can also mean ‘to limit or restrict.’
- After considering several new cars, Felice narrowed her options to two.
- The detective narrowed down the search to three suspects.
Common uses
narrow minded: someone who doesn’t want to consider other peoples’ opinions: “Although I tried to explain my position, my boss was so narrow minded that he didn’t even listen.”
Did you know?
Narrows, always with a final s, is the narrow part of a river.
In pop culture
Listen to They Might Be Giants singing “Narrow Your Eyes.” Why do you think his lover narrows her eyes? (Read the lyrics in the comments.)
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