Narrowly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈnɛɹoʊli/

Definitions

1. In a manner that is tightly constrained, often reflecting a limited perspective or scope
2. Using a precise or specific approach, indicating careful boundaries or distinctions
3. In a way that leaves very little room or allowance for deviation ; with a restricted or confined focus or extent

Etymology: "Narrowly" is a plain formation: the adjective "narrow" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. Its roots go back to Middle English, where the form "narowly" appeared, and it meant what its parts suggest, in a literal, physical sense: something moved through a tight space, or was measured in a small width. Over time the word moved from space to scope, so that to look at something narrowly came to mean examining it closely and within limits. The sense in the given meaning, acting with precision and careful boundaries, grows out of that spatial picture. A narrow passage allows only what fits exactly, and "narrowly" carried the same idea into judgement and definition: a narrowly defined term excludes everything outside its edges. The adverb's second major sense, barely avoiding something, comes from the same logic of closeness, since to escape narrowly is to pass through a gap with almost no room to spare.

Synonyms: tightly, closely, strictly, slightly, precisely

Antonyms: broadly, widely, generously, liberally, loosely