Wide vs. Narrow: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Wide refers to something broad or extensive in width, while narrow indicates something of limited or restricted width.
Key Differences
Wide implies a considerable extent from side to side, suggesting spaciousness or expansiveness. For example, a wide road allows ample space for vehicles. Conversely, narrow describes a smaller distance from one side to the other, often leading to a feeling of confinement or restriction. A narrow alley, for instance, leaves little room for movement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
When describing perspectives, wide denotes openness or inclusivity, as in a wide range of opinions, encompassing diverse viewpoints. Narrow, in this context, suggests limitations or a focus on a specific area, like a narrow focus on a single topic, indicating a more concentrated or exclusive approach.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In descriptive language, wide often conveys a sense of grandeur or vastness, such as a wide vista or a wide smile, implying a full or extensive scope. Narrow, however, tends to imply something more confined or limited, like a narrow escape, indicating barely sufficient space or time.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Wide is used to describe an abundance of opportunities or options, like having a wide selection, indicating a large variety to choose from. Narrow is used to denote a limited range of options or opportunities, such as a narrow choice, suggesting few alternatives.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
In various fields, wide can refer to a comprehensive or extensive approach, like wide research covering many areas. Narrow, on the other hand, often implies specialization or focusing on a specific segment, as in narrow specialization in a particular field.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Usage in Language
Describing spaciousness or vastness
Indicating confinement or limitation
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Nov 18, 2023
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Wide and Narrow Definitions
Narrow
Barely sufficient in amount or space
They made a narrow escape from the fire.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Wide
Extending over a great distance from side to side; broad
A wide road.
A wide necktie.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Having great extent or range; including much or many
A wide selection.
Granting wide powers.
Wide variations.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
To the side of or at a distance from a given boundary, limit, or goal
A shot that was wide of the target.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
(Sports) Being toward or near one of the side boundaries of a playing area, such as a sideline on a football field.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Deviating or straying from something expected or specified
A remark that was wide of the truth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
A body of water with little width that connects two larger bodies of water.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
To the side of or at a distance from a given boundary, limit, or goal.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Having a small width; not wide; having opposite edges or sides that are close, especially by comparison to length or depth.
A narrow hallway
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
(Sports) Toward or near one of the sides of a playing area
Ran wide to catch a pass.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
A ball bowled outside of the batsman's reach, counting as a run for the batting team in cricket.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
(figuratively) Restrictive; without flexibility or latitude.
A narrow interpretation
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Having a large physical extent from side to side.
We walked down a wide corridor.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Having a small margin or degree.
A narrow escape
The Republicans won by a narrow majority.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
(sports) Operating at the side of the playing area.
That team needs a decent wide player.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
On one side or the other of the mark; too far sideways from the mark, the wicket, the batsman, etc.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Made, as a vowel, with a less tense, and more open and relaxed, condition of the organs in the mouth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
(phonetics) Formed (as a vowel) by a close position of some part of the tongue in relation to the palate; or (according to Bell) by a tense condition of the pharynx; distinguished from wide.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
A narrow passage, especially a contracted part of a stream, lake, or sea; a strait connecting two bodies of water.
The narrows of New York harbor
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
(transitive) To reduce in width or extent; to contract.
We need to narrow the search.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
(computing) Of or supporting a greater range of text characters than can fit into the traditional 8-bit representation.
A wide character; a wide stream
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
(of a person or eyes) To partially lower one's eyelids in a way usually taken to suggest a defensive, aggressive or penetrating look.
He stepped in front of me, narrowing his eyes to slits.
She wagged her finger in his face, and her eyes narrowed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
(knitting) To contract the size of, as a stocking, by taking two stitches into one.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
To convert to a data type that cannot hold as many distinct values.
To narrow an
int variable to a short variableShumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Away from or to one side of a given goal
The arrow fell wide of the mark.
A few shots were fired but they all went wide.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Of little breadth; not wide or broad; having little distance from side to side; as, a narrow board; a narrow street; a narrow hem.
Hath passed in safety through the narrow seas.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
So as to leave or have a great space between the sides; so as to form a large opening.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Of little extent; very limited; circumscribed.
The Jews were but a small nation, and confined to a narrow compass in the world.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
(cricket) A ball that passes so far from the batsman that the umpire deems it unplayable; the arm signal used by an umpire to signal a wide; the extra run added to the batting side's score
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Having but a little margin; having barely sufficient space, time, or number, etc.; close; near{5}; - with special reference to some peril or misfortune; as, a narrow shot; a narrow escape; a narrow miss; a narrow majority.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Having considerable distance or extent between the sides; spacious across; much extended in a direction at right angles to that of length; not narrow; broad; as, wide cloth; a wide table; a wide highway; a wide bed; a wide hall or entry.
The chambers and the stables weren wyde.
Wide is the gate . . . that leadeth to destruction.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Limited as to means; straitened; pinching; as, narrow circumstances.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Having a great extent every way; extended; spacious; broad; vast; extensive; as, a wide plain; the wide ocean; a wide difference.
For sceptered cynics earth were far too wide a den.
When the wide bloom, on earth that lies,Seems of a brighter world than ours.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Contracted; of limited scope; illiberal; bigoted; as, a narrow mind; narrow views.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Of large scope; comprehensive; liberal; broad; as, wide views; a wide understanding.
Men of strongest head and widest culture.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Parsimonious; niggardly; covetous; selfish.
A very narrow and stinted charity.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Of a certain measure between the sides; measuring in a direction at right angles to that of length; as, a table three feet wide.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Scrutinizing in detail; close; accurate; exact.
But first with narrow search I must walk roundThis garden, and no corner leave unspied.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Remote; distant; far.
The contrary being so wide from the truth of Scripture and the attributes of God.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Formed (as a vowel) by a close position of some part of the tongue in relation to the palate; or (according to Bell) by a tense condition of the pharynx; - distinguished from wide; as ē (ēve) and Ō (fŌd), etc., from ĭ (ĭll) and Ŏ (fŎt), etc. See Guide to Pronunciation, 13.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Far from truth, from propriety, from necessity, or the like.
It is far wide that the people have such judgments.
How wide is all this long pretense !
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
A narrow passage; esp., a contracted part of a stream, lake, or sea; a strait connecting two bodies of water; - usually in the plural; as, The Narrows of New York harbor.
Near the island lay on one side the jaws of a dangerousnarrow.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
On one side or the other of the mark; too far side-wise from the mark, the wicket, the batsman, etc.
Surely he shoots wide on the bow hand.
I was but two bows wide.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
To lessen the breadth of; to contract; to draw into a smaller compass; to reduce the width or extent of.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Made, as a vowel, with a less tense, and more open and relaxed, condition of the mouth organs; - opposed to primary as used by Mr. Bell, and to narrow as used by Mr. Sweet. The effect, as explained by Mr. Bell, is due to the relaxation or tension of the pharynx; as explained by Mr. Sweet and others, it is due to the action of the tongue. The wide of ē (ēve) is ĭ (ĭll); of ā (āte) is ĕ (ĕnd), etc. See Guide to Pronunciation, 13-15.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
To contract the reach or sphere of; to make less liberal or more selfish; to limit; to confine; to restrict; as, to narrow one's views or knowledge; to narrow a question in discussion.
Our knowledge is much more narrowed if we confine ourselves to our own solitary reasonings.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Having or showing a wide difference between the highest and lowest price, amount of supply, etc.; as, a wide opening; wide prices, where the prices bid and asked differ by several points.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
To contract the size of, as a stocking, by taking two stitches into one.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
To a distance; far; widely; to a great distance or extent; as, his fame was spread wide.
[I] went wyde in this world, wonders to hear.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
To become less broad; to contract; to become narrower; as, the sea narrows into a strait.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
So as to leave or have a great space between the sides; so as to form a large opening.
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Not to step out enough to the one hand or the other; as, a horse narrows.
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
So as to be or strike far from, or on one side of, an object or purpose; aside; astray.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
To contract the size of a stocking or other knit article, by taking two stitches into one.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Make or become more narrow or restricted;
The selection was narrowed
The road narrowed
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other;
Wide roads
A wide necktie
Wide margins
Three feet wide
A river two miles broad
Broad shoulders
A broad river
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Broad in scope or content;
Across-the-board pay increases
An all-embracing definition
Blanket sanctions against human-rights violators
An invention with broad applications
A panoptic study of Soviet nationality
Granted him wide powers
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Wide
(used of eyes) fully open or extended;
Listened in round-eyed wonder
Stared with wide eyes
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Very large in expanse or scope;
A broad lawn
The wide plains
A spacious view
Spacious skies
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Great in range or scope;
An extended vocabulary
Surgeons with extended experience
Extensive examples of picture writing
Suffered extensive damage
A wide selection
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Lacking tolerance or flexibility or breadth of view;
A brilliant but narrow-minded judge
Narrow opinions
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
Not on target;
The kick was wide
The arrow was wide of the mark
A claim that was wide of the truth
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Characterized by painstaking care and detailed examination;
A minute inspection of the grounds
A narrow scrutiny
An exact and minute report
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Oct 19, 2023
Wide
With or by a broad space;
Stand with legs wide apart
Ran wide around left end
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Limited in width or breadth
The narrow path was difficult to navigate.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Wide
To the fullest extent possible;
Open your eyes wide
With the throttle wide open
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Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Limited in extent or scope
His narrow focus on details often misses the big picture.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Wide
Far from the intended target;
The arrow went wide of the mark
A bullet went astray and killed a bystander
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Limited in range or diversity
The town has a narrow selection of restaurants.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Wide
To or over a great extent or range; far;
Wandered wide through many lands
He traveled widely
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Narrow
Showing a limited outlook
His narrow-minded views often caused arguments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Wide
Encompassing a large number or variety
Their shop offers a wide range of products.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does a 'narrow' perspective mean?
A narrow perspective means focusing on a limited aspect, often overlooking broader viewpoints.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'wide' be used to describe range of options?
Yes, wide can describe an extensive range of options or choices.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'wide' refer to a range of opinions?
Yes, wide can refer to an inclusive range of various opinions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What does 'wide' imply in terms of physical space?
Wide implies a large extent or spaciousness from side to side.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How is 'narrow' used to describe a pathway?
Narrow describes a pathway that is limited in width, often restricting movement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is 'wide' used to describe someone's knowledge?
Yes, wide is used to describe extensive and comprehensive knowledge.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What is a 'wide' smile?
A wide smile is a fully extended smile, indicating happiness or friendliness.
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Nov 18, 2023
How does 'narrow' apply in specialization?
Narrow applies to focusing deeply on a specific area or topic in specialization.
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Nov 18, 2023
What does 'narrow-minded' imply?
Narrow-minded implies having a limited or prejudiced outlook.
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Nov 18, 2023
What does a 'wide angle' refer to in photography?
In photography, a wide angle refers to a lens that captures a broader view.
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Nov 18, 2023
How does 'narrow down' function in decision-making?
To narrow down means to reduce choices to a more manageable number.
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Nov 18, 2023
What does 'narrow view' mean in debates?
In debates, a narrow view refers to a perspective that is limited and not open to differing opinions.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is meant by 'narrow escape'?
Narrow escape refers to barely avoiding danger or trouble.
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Nov 18, 2023
How is 'wide' used in the context of measurements?
Wide is used to denote a larger measurement from one side to the other.
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Nov 18, 2023
How is 'wide' used in sports terminology?
In sports, wide often refers to a shot or ball that is off-target, missing its intended mark.
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Nov 18, 2023
What is a 'narrow margin'?
A narrow margin refers to a small or slight difference, often in context of winning or losing.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can 'narrow' describe a field of study?
Yes, narrow can describe a specialized and focused field of study.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Is 'wide' associated with variety?
Yes, wide is often associated with a large variety or diversity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can 'wide' describe emotional expressions?
Yes, wide can describe various broad emotional expressions, like wide-eyed wonder.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What does 'narrow interest' imply?
Narrow interest implies a focused or limited area of curiosity or concern.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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