Tight vs. Narrow — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
Tight refers to a fit that closely conforms to the body or is difficult to move, whereas narrow describes a restricted width or limited spatial capacity.
Difference Between Tight and Narrow
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Tight is often used to describe how clothing fits on the body, suggesting a close, sometimes uncomfortably close, fit. On the other hand, narrow specifically refers to the limited width of an object or space, emphasizing its spatial constraints rather than its fit.
In terms of movement, something tight restricts mobility due to its snugness, such as tight jeans making it hard to bend or move freely. Conversely, narrow is used to describe spaces or pathways, where the restricted width can limit the movement of objects passing through.
From a functional perspective, a tight seal in machinery or containers is essential for preventing leaks and maintaining pressure. Whereas, a narrow tube or pipe might be used to limit the flow of a liquid or gas, focusing on controlling passage rather than sealing.
In physical sensations, wearing something tight can feel constricting and may even cause discomfort if overly snug. Whereas, navigating a narrow space, like a hallway or alley, primarily poses challenges to spatial movement rather than physical discomfort.
On the emotional or figurative side, one might feel tightness in the chest from anxiety, which refers to a physical sensation of pressure or constriction. In contrast, describing a situation as narrow often points to limited options or a lack of flexibility in decision-making.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Closely conforming to the body or object.
Limited in width or space.
Usage in Clothing
Describes a close fit, e.g., tight jeans.
Rarely used for clothing, more spatial.
Functional Usage
Prevents movement, ensures seals.
Limits spatial passage, controls flow.
Physical Sensation
Can be constrictive or uncomfortable.
Mainly affects maneuverability in spaces.
Figurative Meaning
Emotional constriction or pressure.
Limited choices, lack of flexibility.
Compare with Definitions
Tight
Stretched or pulled hard.
The rope was tight enough to hold the weight.
Narrow
Limited in width.
The narrow bridge was difficult to cross.
Tight
Fixed or fastened firmly in place
A tight lid.
Tight screws.
A tight knot.
Narrow
Restrictive in scope.
They conducted a narrow investigation. focusing only on specific aspects.
Tight
Stretched or drawn out fully
A tight wire.
A tight drumhead.
Narrow
Limited in options.
She had narrow career choices in her small town.
Tight
Of such close construction as to be impermeable
Cloth tight enough to hold water.
Warm in our tight little cabin.
Narrow
Focused in thoughts.
His narrow views on the issue were criticized.
Tight
Leaving little empty space through compression; compact
A tight suitcase.
A tight weave.
Narrow
Of small or limited width, especially in comparison with length.
Tight
Affording little spare time; full
A tight schedule.
Narrow
Limited in area or scope; cramped.
Tight
Closely reasoned or concise
A tight argument.
A tight style of writing.
Narrow
Lacking flexibility; rigid
Narrow opinions.
Tight
Fitting close or too close to the skin; snug
A tight collar.
A fit that was much too tight.
Narrow
Barely sufficient; close
A narrow margin of victory.
Tight
(Slang) Personally close; intimate
"me and the D.A., who happen to be very tight with one another" (Tom Wolfe).
Narrow
Painstakingly thorough or attentive; meticulous
Narrow scrutiny.
Tight
Experiencing a feeling of constriction
A tight feeling in the chest.
Narrow
(Linguistics) Tense.
Tight
Reluctant to spend or give; stingy.
Narrow
To reduce in width or extent; make narrower.
Tight
Obtainable with difficulty or only at a high price
Tight money.
Narrow
To limit or restrict
Narrowed the possibilities down to three.
Tight
Affected by scarcity
A tight market.
Narrow
To become narrower; contract.
Tight
Difficult to deal with or get out of
A tight spot.
Narrow
A part of little width, as a pass through mountains.
Tight
Barely profitable
A tight bargain.
Narrow
A body of water with little width that connects two larger bodies of water.
Tight
Closely contested; close
A tight match.
Narrow
A part of a river or an ocean current that is not wide.
Tight
Chiefly British Neat and trim in appearance or arrangement.
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
Tight
Marked by full control over elements or subordinates; firm
Tight management.
A tight orchestral performance.
Narrow
Of little extent; very limited; circumscribed.
Tight
(Slang) Intoxicated; drunk.
Narrow
(figuratively) Restrictive; without flexibility or latitude.
A narrow interpretation
Tight
(Baseball) Inside.
Narrow
Contracted; of limited scope; bigoted
A narrow mind
Narrow views
Tight
Firmly; securely.
Narrow
Having a small margin or degree.
A narrow escape
The Republicans won by a narrow majority.
Tight
Soundly
Sleep tight.
Narrow
(dated) Limited as to means; straitened
Narrow circumstances
Tight
Snugly or with constriction
My shoes are laced too tight.
Narrow
Parsimonious; niggardly; covetous; selfish.
Tight
Firmly held together; compact; not loose or open.
A tight sponge; a tight knot
Narrow
Scrutinizing in detail; close; accurate; exact.
Tight
Unyielding or firm.
Tight control on a situation; tight clothing
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.
Tight
Under high tension; taut.
Make sure to pull the rope tight.
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
Tight
(colloquial) Scarce, hard to come by.
I grew up in a poor neighborhood; money was very tight, but we made do.
Narrow
(transitive) To reduce in width or extent; to contract.
We need to narrow the search.
Tight
Intimately friendly.
We've grown tighter over the years.
Narrow
(intransitive) To get narrower.
The road narrows.
Tight
Miserly or frugal.
He's a bit tight with his money.
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.
Tight
(of a space, design or arrangement) Narrow, such that it is difficult for something or someone to pass through it.
The passageway was so tight we could barely get through.
They flew in a tight formation.
Narrow
(knitting) To contract the size of, as a stocking, by taking two stitches into one.
Tight
Fitting close, or too close, to the body.
A tight coat;
My socks are too tight.
Narrow
To convert to a data type that cannot hold as many distinct values.
To narrow an
int variable to a short variableTight
Of a turn, sharp, so that the timeframe for making it is narrow and following it is difficult.
The mountain pass was made dangerous by its many tight corners.
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.
Tight
Lacking holes; difficult to penetrate; waterproof.
Narrow
Of little extent; very limited; circumscribed.
The Jews were but a small nation, and confined to a narrow compass in the world.
Tight
Well-rehearsed and accurate in execution.
Their marching band is extremely tight.
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.
Tight
(sport) Not conceding many goals.
Narrow
Limited as to means; straitened; pinching; as, narrow circumstances.
Tight
(slang) Intoxicated; drunk or acting like being drunk.
We went drinking and got tight.
Narrow
Contracted; of limited scope; illiberal; bigoted; as, a narrow mind; narrow views.
Tight
(slang) Extraordinarily great or special.
That is one tight bicycle!
Narrow
Parsimonious; niggardly; covetous; selfish.
A very narrow and stinted charity.
Tight
Mean; unfair; unkind.
Narrow
Scrutinizing in detail; close; accurate; exact.
But first with narrow search I must walk roundThis garden, and no corner leave unspied.
Tight
Limited or restricted.
We had a very tight schedule.
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.
Tight
(obsolete) Not ragged; whole; neat; tidy.
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.
Tight
(obsolete) Handy; adroit; brisk.
Narrow
To lessen the breadth of; to contract; to draw into a smaller compass; to reduce the width or extent of.
Tight
(poker) Of a player, who plays very few hands. en
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.
Tight
(poker) Using a strategy which involves playing very few hands. en
Narrow
To contract the size of, as a stocking, by taking two stitches into one.
Tight
Intimate, close, close-knit.
Narrow
To become less broad; to contract; to become narrower; as, the sea narrows into a strait.
Tight
A car with understeer, primarily used to describe NASCAR stock cars.
Narrow
Not to step out enough to the one hand or the other; as, a horse narrows.
Tight
Angry or irritated.
Narrow
To contract the size of a stocking or other knit article, by taking two stitches into one.
Tight
Firmly, so as not to come loose easily.
Make sure the lid is closed tight.
Narrow
A narrow strait connecting two bodies of water
Tight
Soundly.
Good night, sleep tight.
Narrow
Make or become more narrow or restricted;
The selection was narrowed
The road narrowed
Tight
(obsolete) To tighten.
Narrow
Define clearly;
I cannot narrow down the rules for this game
Tight
Firmly held together; compact; not loose or open; as, tight cloth; a tight knot.
Narrow
Become more special;
We specialize in dried flowers
Tight
Close, so as not to admit the passage of a liquid or other fluid; not leaky; as, a tight ship; a tight cask; a tight room; - often used in this sense as the second member of a compound; as, water-tight; air-tight.
Narrow
Become tight or as if tight;
Her throat constricted
Tight
Fitting close, or too close, to the body; as, a tight coat or other garment.
Narrow
Not wide;
A narrow bridge
A narrow line across the page
Tight
Not ragged; whole; neat; tidy.
Clad very plain, but clean and tight.
I'll spin and card, and keep our children tight.
Narrow
Limited in size or scope;
The narrow sense of a word
Tight
Close; parsimonious; saving; as, a man tight in his dealings.
Narrow
Lacking tolerance or flexibility or breadth of view;
A brilliant but narrow-minded judge
Narrow opinions
Tight
Not slack or loose; firmly stretched; taut; - applied to a rope, chain, or the like, extended or stretched out.
Narrow
Very limited in degree;
Won by a narrow margin
A narrow escape
Tight
Handy; adroit; brisk.
Narrow
Characterized by painstaking care and detailed examination;
A minute inspection of the grounds
A narrow scrutiny
An exact and minute report
Tight
Somewhat intoxicated; tipsy.
Narrow
Small margin.
He won the race by a narrow margin.
Tight
Pressing; stringent; not easy; firmly held; dear; - said of money or the money market. Cf. Easy, 7.
Tight
To tighten.
Tight
Closely constrained or constricted or constricting;
Tight skirts
He hated tight starched collars
Fingers closed in a tight fist
A tight feeling in his chest
Tight
Pulled or drawn tight;
Taut sails
A tight drumhead
A tight rope
Tight
Set so close together as to be invulnerable to penetration;
In tight formation
A tight blockade
Tight
Pressed tightly together;
With lips compressed
Tight
Used of persons or behavior; characterized by or indicative of lack of generosity;
A mean person
He left a miserly tip
Tight
Affected by scarcity and expensive to borrow;
Tight money
A tight market
Tight
Of such close construction as to be impermeable;
A tight roof
Warm in our tight little house
Tight
Of textiles;
A close weave
Smooth percale with a very tight weave
Tight
Securely or solidly fixed in place; rigid;
The bolts are tight
Tight
(of a contest or contestants) evenly matched;
A close contest
A close election
A tight game
Tight
Very drunk
Tight
Exasperatingly difficult to handle or circumvent;
A nasty problem
A good man to have on your side in a tight situation
Tight
Demanding strict attention to rules and procedures;
Rigorous discipline
Tight security
Stringent safety measures
Tight
Packed closely together;
The stood in a tight little group
Hair in tight curls
The pub was packed tight
Tight
Firmly or tightly;
Held fast to the rope
Her foot was stuck fast
Held tight
Tight
In an attentive manner;
He remained close on his guard
Tight
Closely fitting.
She wore a tight dress to the party.
Tight
Securely fixed.
Make sure the lid is tight so it doesn't leak.
Tight
Difficult to manage. financially.
This month has been tight with all the unexpected expenses.
Tight
Feeling of pressure.
He felt a tightness in his chest from anxiety.
Common Curiosities
Can a room be described as tight?
Typically, tight is not used for rooms; it's more appropriate for clothing or situations that imply constriction.
What does a narrow road imply?
A narrow road implies limited width, possibly creating difficulties for vehicles to pass each other.
What is the difference between narrow-minded and tight-minded?
Narrow-minded refers to limited and often prejudiced views, whereas tight-minded is not a commonly used term.
What does it mean when something fits tightly?
Something fits tightly when it conforms closely to the body or object, often restricting movement.
Can narrow be used to describe feelings?
Narrow generally doesn't describe feelings; it's more about physical or metaphorical space or scope.
What type of clothing is typically described as narrow?
Clothing is rarely described as narrow; the term is better suited to describe pathways or objects.
How does tightness affect physical comfort?
Tightness can often lead to discomfort or a sensation of being constricted.
Is it correct to describe a budget as tight?
Yes, describing a budget as tight implies it is strictly constrained or limited.
How can tightness be beneficial in mechanical applications?
In mechanics, tightness is essential for ensuring effective seals and preventing leaks.
Can narrow be considered a positive characteristic?
It can be positive when it implies focus and precision.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Characteristic vs. Nature
Next Comparison
Reside vs. LiveAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
