open

open is on the Basic English 850 List.

only - open - operation

open is one of the 1000 most common headwords.

only - open - operate

Pronunciation

• (UK) enPR: ō'pən, IPA ^(key): /ˈəʊ.pən/, SAMPA: /"@Up@n/
• (US) enPR: ō'pən, IPA ^(key): /ˈoʊ.pən/, SAMPA: /"oUp@n/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form open

Third-person singular opens

Past tense opened

Past participle opened

Present participle opening

1. To move something to the side to allow entrance.
   • Synonyms: unlock, unbolt and unclose
   • Antonyms: close, shut, lock and bolt

   I will open the door for our guests.

2. To prepare for business.
   • Synonym: prepare
   • Antonyms: close, close up, lock and lock up

   She opened the store.

Related words

• can opener
• easy-open
• opener
• opening
• open up
• open wide
• reopen

Adjective

Positive open

Comparative more open

Superlative most open

1. Having a hole or opening, not closed.
   • Synonyms: ajar and unclosed
   • Antonyms: closed, secured, shut and shut up

   The door was open.

2. Available for business.
   • Antonym: closed

   The shop is open.

3. Available for the public to see and change (of code).
   • Antonym: closed

   This software has open code because it was released under an open-source license.

Related words

• open-air
• opened
• wide open