open
//ˈəʊ.pən//
Forms
- Comparative
- more open
- Superlative
- most open
- present (v1)
- open
- past (v2)
- opened
- past participle (v3)
- opened
- present participle
- opening
- 3rd person singular
- opens
Definitions
1.Physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.
- She greeted them with open arms.
- The jewellery box was lying open.
- Along the street ran an open sewer.
2.Able to be used or interacted with in some way.
- Your bank account is now open.
- I hereby declare this fete open.
- This is the only option open to us.
3.Not hidden or restricted.
- The Moor is of a free and open nature.
- It is a blatant example of open criminality.
- Nowadays people are more open about their sexuality.
4.Not completed or finalised.
- I've got open orders for as many containers of red durum as you can get me.
1.To make or become physically unobstructed, uncovered, etc.
- The door opened all by itself.
- The flower opened in the sunlight.
- Turn the doorknob to open the door.
2.To cause or allow a gap to form or widen.
- Mudchester Rovers opened a sizeable lead on their rivals.
- A link opened under the strain, and the chain came apart.
3.To make or become available for use or interaction.
- Phone lines will open in ten minutes.
- The summer fete was opened by the mayor.
- I will open the shop an hour early tomorrow.
4.To start or begin.
- I don't want to open that subject.
- Click this icon to open Microsoft Word.
- Our band opened, and they came on second.
Frequency
Overall
Very common· #392
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Common
- General reading & writing
- Very common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Common
Related words
Etymology
Adjective from Middle English open, from Old English open (“open”), from Proto-West Germanic *opan, from Proto-Germanic *upanaz (“open”), from Proto-Indo-European *upo (“up from under, over”).
Cognates
* Scots apen (“open”)
* Saterland Frisian eepen (“open”)