open
gb/ˈoʊpən/ us/ˈoʊpən/
A1
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A1
action
1
Move to not be closed
To move something so it is not closed anymore.
Usage pattern:
to open [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'open' with 'turn on' when referring to electrical devices. For example, 'open the TV' is incorrect; it should be 'turn on the TV'.
Synonyms
unfasten (Implies undoing a fastening mechanism, often smaller-scale like buttons or locks.)
Antonyms
close (Means to move something into a shut or sealed position.)
Collocations
open a door
|open a window
|open a box
|open the lid
Themes
daily life
|home
|travel
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She opened the door to let in some fresh air.
- Please open the window; it's too hot in here.
- I opened the box and found a gift inside.
Learner examples
- Open the door, please.
- I open the box.
- He opens the window.
Verb
A2
action
2
Begin an event officially
To start something like a meeting, shop, or event officially.
Usage pattern:
to open [event/business]
Synonyms
launch (Often used for starting new projects or businesses with publicity.)
Antonyms
close (Means to end or shut down an event or business.)
Collocations
open a meeting
|open a store
|open a ceremony
Themes
business
|events
|work
|communication
Examples
- The mayor opened the new art gallery last night.
- We will open the store at 9 a.m.
- She opened the meeting by thanking everyone for coming.
Learner examples
- The shop opens at eight.
- He opens the meeting.
- They open the new school today.
adjective
A1
property
3
Not closed or fastened
Not closed; able to enter or see through.
Synonyms
unlocked (Specifically means not secured by a lock.)
Antonyms
shut (Means fully closed.)
Collocations
open door
|open window
|open gate
Themes
daily life
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The window is open, so be careful with the papers.
- The door was wide open when we arrived.
- Keep the lid open while stirring.
Learner examples
- The door is open.
- My window is open.
- The box is open.
adjective
A2
property
4
Accessible to everyone
Available for all people to join or use.
Synonyms
available (General term for being ready for use or participation.)
Antonyms
restricted (Limited to certain people or groups.)
Collocations
open to the public
|open admission
|open competition
Themes
society
|business
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The park is open to the public all year round.
- This job is open to applicants from any country.
- The library is open until 8 p.m.
Learner examples
- The park is open to all.
- This class is open to students.
- The shop is open now.
Verb
B1
action
5
Make available for access/use
To let people use or enter something.
Usage pattern:
to open [something] to [someone]
Synonyms
unlock (Metaphorically means enabling access.)
Antonyms
block (To stop access or prevent use.)
Collocations
open access
|open doors to
|open opportunities
Themes
business
|society
|communication
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They opened the archives to researchers.
- The new road will open the area to more tourists.
- We are opening our platform to developers worldwide.
Learner examples
- We open the gate to visitors.
- They open the files to the public.
- The school opens its doors to everyone.
Grammar
Dictionary form
open
IPA
GB/ˈoʊpən/
US/ˈoʊpən/
Syllables & stress
open (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (open)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: open
Verb
- Base: open
- 3rd Person Singular: opens
- Present Participle: opening
- Past: opened
Word family
Expressions
open for business
1/ˈoʊpən fɚ bˈɪznɪs/
fixed phrase
Ready to serve customers/clients
Ready and prepared to sell goods or services.
Examples
- The store is now open for business after renovations.
- Despite the storm, most shops were open for business.
open season (on)
1/ˈoʊpən sˈizən ˈɔn/
idiom
Period when attack/criticism allowed/easy
A time when it is easy or allowed to attack, criticize, or hunt someone or something.
Examples
- It's open season on corrupt politicians right now.
- Deer hunting open season starts next week.
open up
1/ˈoʊpən ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
Become/make accessible or receptive
To make something easier to enter or use, or to talk more freely about feelings.
Examples
- The new policy will open up more opportunities for small businesses.
- He finally opened up about his childhood.
out in the open
1/ˈaʊt ˈɪn ðə ˈoʊpən/
idiom
Visible and not hidden
In a place where people can see; not secret anymore.
Examples
- Their relationship is now out in the open.
- We need to bring these issues out in the open.
wide open
1/wˈaɪd ˈoʊpən/
fixed phrase
Completely open/unrestricted
Fully open without anything blocking it, or with no limits.
Examples
- The door was left wide open all night.
- The race is wide open this year.
wide open
2/wˈaɪd ˈoʊpən/
fixed phrase
Completely open and unrestricted
Completely open, with nothing blocking it.
Examples
- The door was left wide open.
- Her eyes were wide open in surprise.