open
A1Neutral (used across all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
To move a door, lid, or container so that access is possible; not closed or sealed.
To begin operations or activities; to make something accessible or available; to spread out or unfold; not secret or hidden; receptive to new ideas.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Open" functions as a verb, adjective, and occasionally a noun. As an adjective, it can describe physical accessibility (an open door), mental receptivity (open-minded), or public availability (open meeting). The verb often implies a change of state from closed to accessible.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling in compounds (e.g., 'open-plan' vs. 'open plan'). In computing, BrE might use 'open up' a file more often, while AmE uses 'open' directly. The phrase "open on Christmas Day" is more common in BrE; AmE often uses "open for business on Christmas."
Connotations
Broadly similar. 'Open' in business contexts (open a shop) is slightly more associated with small, independent establishments in BrE, while in AmE it's used for any business launch.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties. The adjective use in phrases like 'are you open?' (for shops) is slightly more frequent in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] open [NP] (transitive: She opened the window)[NP] open (intransitive: The shop opens at nine)[NP] open [NP] [to NP] (He opened the meeting to questions)[NP] open [with NP] (The play opens with a soliloquy)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “open the floodgates”
- “open a can of worms”
- “open-and-shut case”
- “with open arms”
- “keep an open mind”
- “out in the open”
- “open door policy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to starting operations ('open a branch'), being accessible ('the position is open'), or transparency ('open book accounting').
Academic
Used for initiating discussions ('open a debate'), describing unresolved issues ('an open question'), or accessible data ('open access').
Everyday
Primarily physical actions (opening jars, doors, apps) and shop hours ('Is the bank open?').
Technical
In computing: to initiate a file or program. In mathematics: describing an interval not including its endpoints. In electronics: a broken circuit.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could you open the window, please?
- The new cinema opens next Friday.
- She opened the debate with a provocative question.
American English
- Can you open the window, please?
- The new theater opens next Friday.
- He opened the meeting by reviewing the agenda.
adverb
British English
- He pushed the door open and walked in.
- The box had burst open during transit.
American English
- She kicked the gate open and ran through.
- The suitcase popped open on the conveyor belt.
adjective
British English
- Leave the gate open for the delivery driver.
- She has a very open approach to problem-solving.
- The museum is open to the public at weekends.
American English
- Leave the door open for the delivery person.
- He has a very open management style.
- The museum is open to the public on weekends.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The supermarket opens at 8 AM.
- Is the bathroom door open?
- Please open your books to page 10.
- They plan to open a new café in the city centre.
- The contract leaves several points open for negotiation.
- He's quite open about his political views.
- The investigation was kept open due to new evidence.
- Her frank remarks opened a rift within the team.
- We need to open a dialogue with the stakeholders.
- The judge's ruling could open the floodgates to similar lawsuits.
- His unconventional research methods opened him up to criticism from peers.
- The landscape opened out before us, revealing a breathtaking valley.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a door with a big letter 'O' on it. The 'O' is like the round doorknob you turn to OPEN it.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / IDEAS ARE OBJECTS (e.g., 'open your mind' = allow yourself to 'see' new ideas); BEGINNING IS OPENING (e.g., 'open negotiations'); FREEDOM IS AN OPEN SPACE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'open' for 'turn on' appliances (e.g., 'open the light/TV' is wrong; use 'turn on' or 'switch on').
- Do not translate 'открытый' (frank) directly to 'open' in all contexts (e.g., 'open character' is odd; use 'frank' or 'direct').
- The phrase 'open the window' is correct, but 'open the tap' is not; use 'turn on the tap'.
- 'In the open air' is a fixed phrase; don't say 'on the open air'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I opened the computer.' (Correct: 'I turned on the computer.')
- Incorrect: 'The shop is opened at 9.' (Correct as adjective: 'The shop is open at 9.' / Correct as passive verb: 'The shop is opened by the manager at 9.')
- Incorrect: 'He is very open person.' (Correct: 'He is a very open person.')
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'open' is INCORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Use 'open' as the adjective describing a state (e.g., 'The shop is open'). Use 'opened' as the past participle, often in passive constructions (e.g., 'The shop was opened by the mayor').
'Open' is used for physical objects with moving parts (doors, windows, books). 'Turn on' (or 'switch on') is used for electrical devices and utilities (lights, computers, taps).
Yes, but less commonly. It can mean 'the outdoors' or 'open space' (e.g., 'children playing in the open') or a competition with no restrictions (e.g., 'a golf open').
Common phrasal verbs are 'open up' (become communicative or start a business), 'open out' (spread out), and 'open onto' (lead to a space). Example: 'She finally opened up about her worries.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Basic Adjectives
A1 · 46 words · Fundamental describing words used every day.
Daily Verbs
A1 · 50 words · Essential action words used in everyday conversation.