What does "narrowness" mean?
The state of being narrow.
Narrowness
noun
noun ·3 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The state of being narrow.
- Grammar: narrowness is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: narrow-mindedness, alien, apartheid, austerity.
- Useful contrasts: broad extent, comprehensive scope, great extent.
- Usage evidence: presently, then, I felt the stiff insertion between the yielding, divided lips of the wound, now open for life; where the narrowness no longer put me to intolerable pain, and afforded my lover no more difficulty than what heighten'd his pleasure, in the strict embrace of that tender, warm sheath, round the instrument it was so delicately adjusted to
How to use "narrowness"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "narrowness" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "narrowness" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "narrowness" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "narrowness" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "narrowness" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "narrow-mindedness" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The state of being narrow. uncountable
"presently, then, I felt the stiff insertion between the yielding, divided lips of the wound, now open for life; where the narrowness no longer put me to intolerable pain, and afforded my lover no more difficulty than what heighten'd his pleasure, in the strict embrace of that tender, warm sheath, round the instrument it was so delicately adjusted to"
- 2 a small margin wordnet
- 3 A constriction; a narrow passage or place; an instance or aspect of being narrow, or having a limited scope or extent. countable
- 4 the property of being narrow; having little width wordnet
- 5 a restriction of range or scope wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 an inclination to criticize opposing opinions or shocking behavior wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
broad extentcomprehensive scopegreat extentunplanned diversity
Example
"presently, then, I felt the stiff insertion between the yielding, divided lips of the wound, now open for life; where the narrowness no longer put me to intolerable pain, and afforded my lover no more difficulty than what heighten'd his pleasure, in the strict embrace of that tender, warm sheath, round the instrument it was so delicately adjusted to"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "narrowness"?
Common synonyms include: narrow-mindedness, alien, apartheid, austerity, bigotry, blind spot.
How do you use "narrowness" in a sentence?
presently, then, I felt the stiff insertion between the yielding, divided lips of the wound, now open for life; where the narrowness no longer put me to intolerable pain, and afforded my lover no more difficulty than what heighten'd his pleasure, in the strict embrace of that tender, warm sheath, round the instrument it was so delicately adjusted to
Etymology
From Middle English narwenesse; equivalent to narrow + -ness.