Open Meaning

UK /ˈəʊpən/
US /ˈoʊpən/
Word Definition
open meaning

Open Definition & Usage

adjective

Not closed or covered; allowing access or passage.

Examples

  • "The door was open, so I walked right in."
  • "The window is open, and the fresh air feels great."
  • "He left the book open on the table."
  • "The store remains open until 9 p.m. every day."
  • "She had an open invitation to visit anytime."
verb

To make something accessible by removing a barrier or covering.

Examples

  • "I need to open the window to let in some air."
  • "Can you open the door for me?"
  • "He opened the box and found a surprise inside."
  • "The teacher asked the students to open their textbooks."
  • "She opened her heart to new possibilities."
adjective

Willing to consider new ideas or perspectives; receptive.

Examples

  • "He has an open mind and is always ready to listen."
  • "She was open to suggestions from her team."
  • "Their open approach to criticism helped improve the project."
  • "We need an open conversation about how to improve things."
  • "He’s very open to change and new experiences."
noun

A state of being available or unblocked for action or use.

Examples

  • "She found an open in her schedule for the meeting."
  • "There’s an open in the competition for one more contestant."
  • "The store has several open positions for staff."
  • "He seized the open to expand his business."
  • "Their open for negotiation lasted only a few hours."

Cultural Context

The word 'open' has been used in various contexts throughout history, from describing physical spaces to metaphorical uses like open-mindedness or opportunity. In many cultures, the idea of being 'open' is associated with receptiveness, freedom, and accessibility.

The Open Door

Story

The Open Door

Lena stood in front of the old wooden house, staring at the open door. It was an invitation of sorts, but one she hadn't expected. The house had been abandoned for years, the paint peeling off in large chunks, the windows dusty and dark. Yet today, the door stood ajar, as though someone was waiting for her to step inside. Lena hesitated for a moment. She wasn't sure what she was about to find. A month ago, she would have walked right in without a second thought, but lately, she'd been questioning everything about her life. Was she truly ready to embrace the unknown? She took a deep breath and stepped forward. Inside, the house was surprisingly warm, the sunlight filtering in through the cracks in the walls. She had no idea why she was here or what she was looking for, but something about the openness of the space made her feel calm, like the house was waiting for her to unlock its secrets. She wandered through the rooms, her footsteps echoing in the silence. In one of the bedrooms, an old notebook lay open on a dusty desk. As she approached, she saw that the pages were filled with handwritten notes, sketches, and unfinished ideas. Suddenly, a voice broke through her thoughts. 'I see you found the open book,' a man said from the doorway. Lena spun around, startled. 'Who are you?' she asked, her heart racing. 'Just someone who’s always kept the door open,' the man replied with a smile. 'You see, sometimes we all need a little space to be open to new things. This house has always been here, waiting for someone to find it, just as it’s been waiting for you to open your heart to new possibilities.' Lena wasn’t sure what to make of his words, but for the first time in a long while, she felt open to the idea of change. The man left her with the notebook and the open door, and as Lena sat down to read, she realized that sometimes, an open door isn't just a physical space — it's a chance to open yourself up to something new, something bigger than yourself. And in that moment, she knew that the journey ahead, though uncertain, was one she was ready to embrace.

The Open Door