narrowly
adv. manner B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈnɛɹoʊɫi// UK //nˈæɹəʊli// nar·row·ly
adv. by a very small amount. You use this when something almost didn't happen, like winning a race by just one second.
adv. by a slim margin or only just; in a limited or restricted manner.
The runner narrowly won the race.
The driver narrowly avoided a collision by swerving at the last possible second.
The legislation narrowly passed the senate after a heated debate that lasted well into the early hours of the morning.
From Middle English narowly, equivalent to narrow + -ly.
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause.
Pitfall
He narrowly escaped from the fireHe narrowly escaped the fireWhile 'escaped from' is possible, 'narrowly escape' is a strong collocation that usually takes a direct object.