B2adverbsport
US/ˈner.oʊ.li/
UK/ˈnær.əʊ.li/
by only a very small amount; also in a way that is too limited
In context
The bus narrowly missed a dog that ran across the road.
Our team narrowly lost the final on penalties.
Don't think too narrowly about success, money isn't everything.
Words that go with narrowly
adverb + verb
- narrowly escapeThe family narrowly escaped the fire.
- narrowly missShe narrowly missed the last train home.
- narrowly avoidTwo motorbikes narrowly avoided a crash at the crossroads.
- narrowly defeatThailand narrowly defeated Vietnam in the semi-final.
adverb + adjective
- narrowly focusedThe report is too narrowly focused on cost.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I narrowly passed by the exam.Correct: I narrowly passed the exam.