narrow

Narrow is an adjective describing something with little width or breadth. It is used for physical dimensions, such as a narrow street or a narrow bridge, and for figurative senses that imply restriction, limitation, or proximity. In everyday language, narrow often contrasts with terms like broad, wide, or expansive, signaling a smaller scope or capacity.

In technical and practical contexts, narrow appears in descriptions of space, passage, and design. In transportation and infrastructure, narrow-gauge railways use tracks that are closer together than standard gauge, enabling lighter, cheaper construction in challenging terrain. In geography, a narrow channel or strait denotes a waterway with limited width that can influence navigation and currents.

Common expressions reflect both literal and metaphorical meanings. A narrow margin refers to a small difference in score or outcome, and a narrow escape indicates avoiding danger by a small degree. Narrow-minded describes a limited, intolerant attitude toward other views. Narrowing down describes the process of reducing a broad set of options to a more manageable subset.

As a word, narrow can also appear in names and descriptions beyond ordinary usage, including surnames and place names, where it functions descriptively rather than as a title. In summary, narrow conveys constraint and precision, applicable to physical measurements, spatial relations, and figurative language.