Narrowing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
narrowing
[หnรฆr.oส.ษชล ]
Definitions
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?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narrowing |
Used when talking about making something smaller in width or making choices fewer.
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| reducing |
Used to describe making something smaller in amount, size, or degree.
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| limiting |
Used when talking about setting bounds or reducing possibilities, options, or freedoms. Can be negative as it implies restriction.
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| 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.
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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.
in road construction
The process of making a road or passage narrower.
Synonyms
constriction, shrinking, tightening.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narrowing |
Generally used to describe something becoming thinner or more limited in scope. Often used in medical, scientific, or technical contexts.
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| 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.
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| tightening |
Refers to making or becoming tighter, often used in financial, mechanical, or physical contexts.
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| shrinking |
Implies something becoming smaller in size, often used in everyday situations to denote reduction or contraction.
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Examples of usage
- The narrowing of the road caused traffic congestion.
- The narrowing of the bridge led to delays in the construction project.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'narrowing'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'narrowing' is derived from the verb 'narrow' which dates back to Middle English. The Old English word 'nearu' is the root of 'narrow', meaning 'limited in size or extent'. Over time, the word evolved to include the concept of making something smaller or more restricted, leading to the usage of 'narrowing'. This term has been used in various contexts, from decision making to road construction, reflecting the diverse applications of the concept of reducing in size or scope.
See also: narrowed, narrowness.