narrowness

Everyday

1. Being narrow; having little width from side to side. tree →
2. Being limited or small in range, as in "narrowness of mind" (not open to other ideas). tree →

In the lessons

Used about roads, streets, bridges, boats and passages ("the narrowness of the lane"), and about ideas and attitudes when someone will not consider other views. In stories it often builds a tight, uncomfortable feeling.

Examples

• The narrowness of the lane meant the bus could not get through. tree →
• We were surprised by the narrowness of the old staircase. tree →
• The narrowness of the gap made it hard to squeeze through. tree →
• Because of the river's narrowness, a bridge was easy to build. tree →
• Her narrowness of mind meant she never tried new food. tree →
• The narrowness of the win surprised everyone; it was only one point. tree →
• The cave's narrowness made us crawl. tree →

Note

Uncountable. From "narrow" + "-ness". Opposite: "width", "breadth", "broadness". "A narrow win" means a win by a small amount.