Narrowing: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”
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narrowing

 

[หˆnรฆr.oสŠ.ษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in decision making

The act of making a decision or a range of choices smaller, more limited, or more specific.

Synonyms

constricting, limiting, reducing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
narrowing

Used when talking about making something smaller in width or making choices fewer.

  • The path is narrowing as we go deeper into the forest
  • They are narrowing down the list of candidates for the job
reducing

Used to describe making something smaller in amount, size, or degree.

  • We are reducing our carbon footprint by recycling more
  • She is reducing the amount of sugar in her diet
limiting

Used when talking about setting bounds or reducing possibilities, options, or freedoms. Can be negative as it implies restriction.

  • The new policy is limiting our ability to work from home
  • His lack of experience is limiting his job opportunities
constricting

Often used in a medical or physical context to describe something becoming tighter or reducing in size. Can have a negative connotation implying restriction.

  • The snake's grip was constricting around its prey
  • My throat feels constricting when I have allergies

Examples of usage

  • The narrowing down of potential candidates for the job.
  • After much discussion, they succeeded in narrowing down the options to just three.
  • She found herself narrowing her focus to a single solution.
Context #2 | Noun

in road construction

The process of making a road or passage narrower.

Synonyms

constriction, shrinking, tightening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
narrowing

Generally used to describe something becoming thinner or more limited in scope. Often used in medical, scientific, or technical contexts.

  • The blood vessel is narrowing over time
  • The road narrows as you approach the bridge
constriction

Used to denote something being squeezed or compressed. Common in medical or biological contexts. Can have a negative connotation as it implies restriction and discomfort.

  • There is a constriction in the patient's airway
  • The snake's constriction was powerful enough to suffocate its prey
tightening

Refers to making or becoming tighter, often used in financial, mechanical, or physical contexts.

  • Tightening the screws fixed the loose part
  • The new regulations have led to a tightening of the market
shrinking

Implies something becoming smaller in size, often used in everyday situations to denote reduction or contraction.

  • My favorite sweater is shrinking in the wash
  • The population of the town is shrinking each year

Examples of usage

  • The narrowing of the road caused traffic congestion.
  • The narrowing of the bridge led to delays in the construction project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Middle English 'narowe', which means 'reduced in width'.
  • It has roots in the Old English 'nรฆre', suggesting a condition of being tight or cramped.
  • Throughout history, its usage has evolved, expanding from physical spaces to abstract ideas.

Psychology

  • In cognitive psychology, narrowing can refer to focusing attention on specific details while ignoring distractions.
  • This concentration can enhance decision-making but may lead to tunnel vision, where important details are overlooked.
  • Narrowing can also relate to problem-solving strategies, where limiting options can simplify choices.

Literature

  • In storytelling, narrowing often occurs as plots develop, focusing on key characters or themes to enhance emotional impact.
  • Authors may use narrowing as a technique to build tension, creating a sense of urgency as choices become limited.
  • This technique helps in creating a climax by concentrating on the most crucial elements of the narrative.

Science

  • In physics, narrowing can describe phenomena like light being refracted through a prism, changing direction and focus.
  • In biology, narrowing can refer to blood vessels constricting, affecting blood flow and impacting health.
  • In environmental science, narrowing habitats can lead to biodiversity loss as species are pushed into smaller areas.

Technology

  • Narrowing of data signifies focusing on relevant information in big data analytics, improving clarity and insights.
  • In web design, narrowing content pathways helps users find information faster, enhancing user experience.
  • Algorithms in machine learning often rely on narrowing down features to improve predictive accuracy.

Translations

Translations of the word "narrowing" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น estreitamento

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เค•เฅเคšเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Verengung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ penyempitan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฒัƒะถะตะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zwฤ™ลผenie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็‹ญใใ™ใ‚‹ใ“ใจ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉtrรฉcissement

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ estrechamiento

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท daralma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ข์•„์ง

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุถูŠูŠู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zรบลพenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zรบลพenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ผฉๅฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zoลพitev

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รพrenging

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐั€ั‹ะปั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒจแƒ”แƒ–แƒฆแƒฃแƒ“แƒ•แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ daralmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ estrechamiento

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,158, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.