noun
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a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water (syn: clear)finally broke out of the forest into the open
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where the air is unconfined (syn: out-of-doors, outdoors)the concert was held in the open air
camping in the open
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a tournament in which both professionals and amateurs may play-
information that has become public (syn: surface)all the reports were out in the open
verb
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cause to open or to become open (syn: open up)Mary opened the car door
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start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning (syn: open up)open a business
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become open (syn: open up)The door opened
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begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.He opened the meeting with a long speech
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spread out or open from a closed or folded state (syn: spread, spread out, unfold)open the map
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make available (syn: open up)This opens up new possibilities
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become available (syn: open up)an opportunity opened up
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have an opening or passage or outletThe bedrooms open into the hall
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make the opening moveKasparov opened with a standard opening
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afford access to (syn: afford, give)the door opens to the patio
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display the contents of a file or start an application as on a computeradjective
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with no protection or shield (syn: exposed)open to the weather
an open wound
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open to or in view of allan open protest
an open letter to the editor
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not having been filledthe job is still open
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accessible to allopen season
an open economy
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not defended or capable of being defended (syn: assailable, undefended)an open city
open to attack
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(of textures) full of small openings or gaps (syn: loose)an open texture
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having no protecting cover or enclosurean open boat
an open fire
open sports cars
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not brought to a conclusion; subject to further thought (syn: undecided, undetermined, unresolved)an open question
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not sealed or having been unsealed (syn: opened)the letter was already open
the opened package lay on the table
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without undue constriction as from e.g. tenseness or inhibitionthe clarity and resonance of an open tone
her natural and open response
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not requiring union membershipan open shop employs nonunion workers
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possibly accepting or permitting (syn: capable, subject)open to interpretation
an issue open to question
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affording free passage or view (syn: clear)open waters
the open countryside
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openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness (syn: candid, heart-to-heart)an open and trusting nature
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ready for businessthe stores are open
Extra examples
The door suddenly swung open.
You left the blinds wide open.
The meat was roasted over an open fire.
I was so tired that I couldn't keep my eyes open.
Don't chew with your mouth open.
Staring with her eyes wide open
There's already an open jar of pickles in the refrigerator.
They kept the road open throughout the winter.
This door is hard to open.
Would you mind if I opened a window?
The car door opened and a beautiful woman stepped out.
The door opened and closed so quietly that I didn't notice he had come in the room.
This drawer is stuck. It just won't open!
She comes home, turns on the TV, and starts opening her mail.
She opened her eyes and smiled at me.
Phrasal verbs
open up
— cause to open or to become open
Word forms
verb
I/you/we/they: open
he/she/it: opens
present participle: opening
past tense: opened
past participle: opened