Narrowly

The adverb 'narrowly' describes something done, or a situation that occurred, by a very small margin or with very little room to spare. It implies a close call, a near miss, or a minimal difference in outcome. It can pertain to physical space, time, scores, or other measurable quantities, emphasizing a tight or restrictive situation. The word conveys a sense of precision, proximity, or the avoidance of something undesirable by a small degree. It suggests that the alternative outcome was very close to becoming reality, adding an element of suspense or relief to the situation.

Narrowly meaning with examples

• The marathon runner narrowly avoided a collision with a cyclist just meters from the finish line, but managed to stay on her feet and win. Her victory was a nail-biting finish, and her near-miss could have cost her the gold.
• The company narrowly escaped bankruptcy after securing a crucial loan at the eleventh hour. Their financial woes almost sank the ship, but a last minute deal saved the firm from going under, but the reprieve was very tight.
• The pilot managed to land the plane narrowly within the required runway distance, given heavy winds and inclement weather, the landing was a testament to his skill and focus. The touchdown was perfect as it left little room for error.
• The politician narrowly won the election by a margin of just a few hundred votes, highlighting the intense competition and evenly divided electorate. The tense race shows how close the contest had been until the end.