English Profile

open · adjective

/ˈoʊ.pən/Full view

Word family

Nouns: open, opener, opening, openness

Adjectives: open, opening, unopened

Verbs: open, reopen

Adverbs: open, openly

open (DOING BUSINESS)

A1 never before noun available for business or serving customers

Dictionary examples:

The supermarket is open till 10.00 p.m.

Our phone lines are open until 9 pm Central time.

Learner example:

They are open all day and all night. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

open (NOT CLOSED)

A2 not closed or fastened

Dictionary examples:

an open door/window

Her open suitcase was on the dresser.

You left the box open.

Someone had left the window wide open.

Learner example:

The door was open! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

open (WITHOUT BUILDINGS)

B1 An open area of land has no buildings on it or near it.

Dictionary examples:

large open spaces

There's a wonderful view from the garden over open countryside.

Learner example:

I need to be outside in open spaces. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

open (HONEST)

C2 An open person is honest and not trying to hide something.

Dictionary examples:

He's quite open about his weaknesses.

I wish you'd be more open with me, and tell me what you're feeling.

She has an honest, open face.

Learner example:

He has also been very open about his diabetes and the problems connected with the disease. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

have/keep an open mind

B2 to wait until you know all the facts before you form an opinion about something or judge someone

Dictionary example:

We're keeping an open mind about the causes of the fire.

Learner example:

To listen, to communicate, [and] to have an open mind are a way of life [nowadays]. (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)

open (NOT SECRET)

C2 not secret

Dictionary examples:

There has been open hostility between them ever since they had that argument last summer.

The candidate has promised an open debate on the issue.

Learner example:

The council has refused to have an open discussion with the residents. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Japanese)

open (NOT COVERED)

B2 always before noun without a roof or cover

Dictionary example:

an open courtyard

Learner example:

You took me to a sightseeing trip around the town in an open car. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

open to debate/question/criticism, etc.

C2 can easily be debated/questioned/criticized, etc.

Dictionary example:

Their behavior at these negotiations is open to criticism.

Learner example:

Whether the wages of sportswomen and sportsmen are too high is open to question. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Catalan)

open to discussion/suggestions, etc.

C1 willing to consider a discussion/suggestions, etc.

Dictionary example:

This is only a proposal. I'm open to suggestions.

Learner example:

He seems open to ideas like this, and I am sure he will not cancel at the last minute! (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

open · verb

/ˈoʊ.pən/

Word family

Nouns: open, opener, opening, openness

Adjectives: open, opening, unopened

Verbs: open, reopen

Adverbs: open, openly

open (NOT CLOSED)

A1 I or T to move something to a position that is not closed, or to make something change to a position that is not closed

Dictionary examples:

to open a door/window

The gate won't open.

You can open your eyes now.

Learner example:

I can't open my cupboard without my key. (Key English Test; A2; Korean)

open (CONTAINER/PACKAGE, ETC.)

A2 T to remove or separate part of a container or package so that you can see or use what it contains

Dictionary examples:

Shall I open another bottle of water?

I haven't even opened the letter yet.

She can't wait to open all her presents.

He opened the box and a kitten jumped out.

Learner example:

First I opened my presents. (Key English Test; A2; Portuguese)

open (STORE, ETC.)

A2 I or T If a store or office opens at a particular time of day, it starts to do business at that time.

Dictionary examples:

The coffee shop opens at ten o'clock.

What time does the bank open?

Learner example:

It is open every day of the week except Mondays; it opens at 9:00 am and close[s] at 10:00 pm. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

open (COMPUTERS)

B1 T to make a computer document or program ready to be read or used

Dictionary example:

First, open the file called "statistics."

open (START OFFICIALLY)

B2 I or T If a business or activity opens, it starts officially for the first time, and if you open it, you make it start officially for the first time.

Dictionary examples:

That restaurant's new - it only opened last month.

The Olympic Games open tomorrow.

The new hospital will be officially opened by the mayor on Tuesday.

Learner example:

I am very happy to announce [to] you that a new museum has been opened in our town. (First Certificate in English; B2; Catalan)

open your heart

C2 to tell someone your secret thoughts and feelings

Dictionary example:

That night, she opened her heart to me.

Learner example:

It is during this excessively dramatic conversation that George opening up his heart, tells her about his interpretation of her unhappiness with Cecil. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

keep your eyes open (for sb/sth)

C2 to watch carefully for someone or something

Dictionary example:

Keep your eyes open for anything unusual.

Learner example:

While staying in Turkey, for example, people ought to keep their eyes open. Look into life there. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

open up (sth) or open (sth) up

B2 to start a new store or business

Dictionary examples:

Several banks have recently opened up branches downtown.

Fast food restaurants are opening up everywhere you look.

Learner example:

We could set up hiking tours, mini-excursions in the mountains, survival camps. [...] With th[ese] kind[s] of activities, the village would need to open up more shops, restaurants, coffee shops etc. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

open up

C2 to start to talk more about yourself and your feelings

Dictionary example:

I've tried to get him to open up to me but without success.

Learner example:

Even when I tried to open up to my best friend, he laughed at me and said that I should go to a psychiatr[ist]. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)