English Dictionary

NARROWLY

Pronunciation (US): Play  (GB): Play

IPA (US): 

 Dictionary entry overview: What does narrowly mean? 

NARROWLY (adverb)
  The adverb NARROWLY has 1 sense:

1. in a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptionsplay

  Familiarity information: NARROWLY used as an adverb is very rare.


 Dictionary entry details 


NARROWLY (adverb)


Sense 1

Meaning:

In a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptions

Context example:

he interprets the law narrowly

Antonym:

broadly (without regard to specific details or exceptions)

Pertainym:

narrow (limited in size or scope)


 Context examples 


My suspicions had been thoroughly reawakened on finding Black Dog at the Spy-glass, and I watched the cook narrowly.

(Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson)

In this state, I went into a cottage that I saw was to let, and examined it narrowly,—for I felt it necessary to be practical.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

I had narrowly observed her during the two visits which I had lately made here; and I was convinced of her affection.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

I observed him narrowly, and am convinced of it.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

I hesitated whether to attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had come in, and as he was watching me narrowly, it seemed safer to wait.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It is often applied more narrowly to the set of alleles present at one or more specific loci.

(Genotype, NCI Dictionary)

I was keenly on the alert, therefore, for whatever would bear out this supposition, and I examined the room narrowly for anything in the shape of a hiding-place.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

In repassing through the small vaulted room, however, your eyes will be attracted towards a large, old-fashioned cabinet of ebony and gold, which, though narrowly examining the furniture before, you had passed unnoticed.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Burns obeyed: I looked at her narrowly as she emerged from the book-closet; she was just putting back her handkerchief into her pocket, and the trace of a tear glistened on her thin cheek.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

For I have already told the reader how much I was pestered by these odious animals, upon my first arrival; and I afterwards failed very narrowly, three or four times, of falling into their clutches, when I happened to stray at any distance without my hanger.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)



 Learn English with... Proverbs 
"Strike while the iron is hot." (English proverb)

"Once you are tired, you still can go far" (Breton proverb)

"Avoid the company of a liar. And if you can't avoid him, don't believe him." (Arabic proverb)

"It hits like a grip on a pig." (Dutch proverb)



ALSO IN ENGLISH DICTIONARY:


© 2000-2023 AudioEnglish.org | AudioEnglish® is a Registered Trademark | Terms of use and privacy policy
Contact