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Narrowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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narrowed

[ˈnærəʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a restricted state

Made smaller in width or extent. Limited or restricted in scope, extent, or amount.

Synonyms

constricted, limited, restricted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
narrowed

Used to describe reducing the width or the extent of something, often in a physical or metaphorical way.

  • The river narrowed at the bend, creating a natural bottleneck.
  • She narrowed her focus to just one area of study.
restricted

Used to indicate that access or freedom has been constrained, often due to rules or regulations.

  • Access to the building is restricted to authorized personnel.
  • The restricted area is off-limits for visitors.
limited

Commonly used to describe a finite amount or scope, often implying insufficient or less than desired.

  • Resources are limited, so we need to use them wisely.
  • The company has limited liability.
constricted

Often used in medical or physical contexts to describe something that is tightly compressed or restricted in movement.

  • The snake's tight coils constricted its prey.
  • Constricted blood vessels can lead to higher blood pressure.

Examples of usage

  • The road narrowed as it entered the mountains.
  • My options are narrowed down to two choices.
Context #2 | Verb

to make less wide or less extensive

To make something smaller in width or extent. To restrict or limit the scope, extent, or amount of something.

Synonyms

constrict, reduce, shrink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
narrowed

Used to describe something that has become less wide or more limited in scope. Common in situations where space, choices, or focus have decreased.

  • The river narrowed as we moved upstream.
  • The detective narrowed down the list of suspects.
reduce

General term meaning to make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size. Widely applicable in many contexts.

  • We need to reduce our expenses.
  • The chef reduced the sauce by half.
constrict

Implies a tight or binding restriction, often in a physical sense but can also be applied metaphorically. Sometimes has a negative connotation.

  • The snake constricted its prey.
  • Fear can constrict the heart and mind.
shrink

Often used to describe something becoming smaller, especially in size or importance. Can have both physical and metaphorical uses.

  • The sweater shrank in the wash.
  • His influence in the company has shrunk over the years.

Examples of usage

  • He narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
  • The company narrowed its focus to a specific market.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • When someone feels overwhelmed, their focus can become 'narrowed', leading to stress and anxiety.
  • Studies show that narrowing one's focus can enhance performance in tasks that require concentration.
  • Conversely, a 'narrowed' perspective can limit problem-solving abilities by restricting the range of possible solutions.

Geography

  • Narrowed regions, such as straits or isthmuses, are critical for trade and navigation.
  • The concept of 'narrowed' spaces plays a key role in urban planning, where congested areas result from limited room.
  • Natural formations like canyons are often described as 'narrowed' landscapes, shaping water flow and ecosystems.

Literature

  • In storytelling, 'narrowed' emotional experiences can create tension and deepen character development.
  • Authors often describe scenes with 'narrowed' paths to evoke feelings of claustrophobia or limit options for characters.
  • The use of 'narrowed' perspectives in poetry can enhance imagery, drawing readers into intimate moments.

Medicine

  • In medical terms, 'narrowed' arteries can lead to serious health issues, affecting blood flow.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to 'narrowed' air passages, impacting quality of sleep.
  • Narrowing can also refer to the progression of diseases, where symptoms become more specific over time.

Origin of 'narrowed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'narrowed' comes from the Old English word 'nerwe', meaning tight or limited.
  • The suffix '-ed' indicates that the action of making something narrow has already happened.
  • It appears in various forms across Germanic languages, showing a long history of describing limited spaces.

The word 'narrowed' is the past tense of the verb 'narrow'. The term 'narrow' originated from the Old English word 'nearu', which meant 'constricted, small, or limited'. Over time, 'narrow' evolved to its current form in Middle English. The concept of narrowing has been present in various languages and cultures, reflecting the human tendency to limit or restrict things.

See also: narrowing, narrowness.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,544 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.