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Definition open in British English

open adjective

adjective
/ˈəʊpən/
1

if a shop, restaurant etc is open, people are working there and the public can use or visit it

Example

Are the shops open on Sundays?

Example

There's a bar that stays open all night.

Example

We are open for business from Monday to Friday.

Example

The house is only open to the general public for three weeks each year.

Synonyms and related words
all out a pig in a poke bespoke
2

something that is open has no cover or has its edges separated so that you can see or take out what is inside

Example

A book lay open on the table.

Example

She stuffed the photographs into an open drawer.

Example

The kids were ripping open their Christmas presents.

Synonyms and related words
open ajar wide
2.1

in a position that allows someone or something to pass through

Example

The bedroom door was slightly open.

Example

We threw open all the windows to let the air in.

Example

Someone has left the gate wide open.

Synonyms and related words
open ajar wide
2.2

used about a part of someone's body

Example

He was asleep with his mouth open.

Example

She lay still, eyes wide open, listening intently.

Synonyms and related words
anterior cervical function
3

if a road or passage is open, it is possible for things to move from one end to the other

Example

Many roads are blocked by snow but Snake Pass is still open.

Synonyms and related words
open ajar wide
3.1

used about ways of sending messages to someone

Example

The lines are open now for you to call in with your donations.

Example

It's important to keep the channels of communication open with your ex-wife.

Synonyms and related words
closely verbal communicative
4

an open space or area is not covered or enclosed, or does not have many buildings, trees etc in or on it

Example

They had to escape across open ground.

Example

The top deck of the bus is open.

Example

He loved the wide open spaces of the American West.

Synonyms and related words
bare naked exposed barren arid wild
5

used about someone who is honest and does not keep things secret

Example

Everyone in the group was very friendly and open.

Example

The President promised an open dialogue.

Example

He has always been open about his drinking problem.

Synonyms and related words
honest sincere fine
5.1

not hidden or secret

Example

Their relationship has deteriorated to the point of open hostility.

Synonyms and related words
known overt transparent
6

available for anyone to take part in or to see

Example

A Chief Executive will be appointed by open competition.

Example

The meeting is open to the public.

Example

Most government files from the period are now open to scrutiny.

Synonyms and related words
available public spare
Example

I have some ideas about where to go, but I'm open to suggestions.

Example

Police are keeping an open mind about the cause of her disappearance.

Synonyms and related words
have/keep an open mind liberal tolerant
7.1

used for describing a situation that has at least two possible results

Example

His contract keeps open the possibility that he might return to the series.

Example

Shall we leave it open for now, and decide at the meeting?

Example

The election is still wide open.

Synonyms and related words
therefore consequently accordingly
8

if something is open to criticism, doubt etc, it is possible or reasonable to criticize it, doubt it etc

Example

The new tax was open to two serious criticisms.

Example

Whether or not he intended this outcome, is open to question.

Example

The system is wide open to abuse.

Synonyms and related words
practical sensible rational
9

if something is open to you, it is possible for you to do it

Example

Taking him to court was the only option left open to me.

Synonyms and related words
possible be able to do something may
Definition open in British English

Related Words

Words related to open:

an open book (phrase) be open to interpretation (phrase) burst open (phrase) cold open (noun) crack something open (phrase) an open mind (phrase) in open court (phrase) jam something (phrase) keep your ears open (phrase) keep your eyes (for) (phrase) your options open (phrase) lay someone open to something (phrase) on the open market (phrase) open (adjective) open (verb) open bar (noun) open day (noun) open door policy (noun) open doors (phrase) open fire (phrase) open house (noun) open invitation (noun) open doors (phrase) open kimono (adjective) open letter (noun) open market (noun) open mic (noun) open off (phrasal verb) open out (phrasal verb) open primary (noun) open prison (noun) open question (noun) open sandwich (noun) open season (noun) open secret (noun) open sesame (noun) open skies (adjective) open someone’s eyes to something (phrase) open someone’s mind to something (phrase) open source (noun) open system (noun) open the (phrase) open the floodgates (phrase) open ticket (noun) open to debate (phrase) open to dispute (phrase) open to doubt (phrase) open up (phrasal verb) open verdict (noun) open vowel (noun) open water (noun) open your eyes to something (phrase) open your heart (phrase) open your mouth (phrase) open-air (adjective) open-and-shut case (noun) open-ended (adjective) open-eyed (adjective) open-handed (adjective) open-heart surgery (noun) open-minded (adjective) open-mouthed (adjective, adverb) open-necked (adjective) open-plan (adjective) (out) in the open (phrase) something will not etc (phrase) something would not etc (phrase) steam open (phrasal verb) tear something open (phrase) the Open () the open (noun) the open air (noun) the open road (phrase) the Open University (noun) throw something open (phrase) someone with open arms (phrase) wide open (phrase) with your eyes (wide) open (phrase)