Here are some ways to think about it:
* Limited by boundaries: Think of a fence that encloses a small area. "Narrowly defined" is like that fence - it keeps things within a specific set of parameters.
* Focusing on specifics: Instead of a general overview, a narrowly defined concept focuses on specific details and characteristics.
* Excluding alternatives: When something is narrowly defined, it means other potential interpretations or applications are ruled out.
Here are some examples:
* "The research study focused on a narrowly defined population of patients." This means the study only included a small, specific group of people, not a broad range of patients.
* "The law is narrowly defined, only applying to specific types of businesses." The law doesn't have a wide application, only targeting a specific category.
* "The job description is narrowly defined, requiring a very specific skill set." This means the job is looking for someone with a specialized set of abilities.
In contrast to "narrowly defined," something that is "broadly defined" would be open to a wider range of interpretations and possibilities.