narrow
UK[ˈnærəʊ]US[ˈneroʊ]
adj
having a small distance from one side to the other, especially in comparison with the length
adj
limited in extent, amount, or scope
v
to become less wide or to make something less wide
v
to reduce the number of possibilities or choices
Etymology
the word 'narrow' originates from the old english 'nearu', meaning "constricted, limited, or oppressive," which itself is of germanic origin. it is related to the dutch 'naar' ("dismal, unpleasant") and the german 'narbe' ("scar"). the core semantic thread from its proto-germanic ancestor involves the concept of tightness or constriction. over time, the primary meaning evolved from a more general sense of hardship or tight confinement to the specific modern senses describing limited physical width or restricted scope, while the negative connotations of distress were largely shed, surviving only in certain contexts.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from a single old english root. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the path was too narrow for the car to pass.
they won by a narrow margin of just five votes.
we need to narrow down the list of candidates before the interview.