narrow
To reduce the range or scope of something
Examples
In a meeting
“Let's narrow our focus to the top three priorities this quarter.”
Over coffee
“I need to narrow down my college choices to two schools.”
Why this word
reduce
Narrow specifies making the scope or focus smaller and more specific, while reduce just means making something less in amount
limit
Narrow emphasizes focusing on a smaller range of options, while limit suggests setting boundaries without the focusing aspect
refine
Narrow implies reducing breadth or options, while refine suggests improving quality or precision
Usage tip
Use when you need to focus or limit options; opposite of broaden
Etymology
Old English: nearu (confined, restricted)
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Related words
relevant
Closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.
dilute
To make weaker by adding something or spreading too thin
highlight
To draw attention to the most important parts
dissipate
To gradually disappear or scatter
tangent
A topic or direction that diverges from the main subject
curtailment
The action of reducing or limiting something