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open

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verb British English pronunciation: open /ˈəʊpən/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyopen
he/she/itopens
present participleopening
past tenseopened
past participleopened
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [transitive] to separate the edges of something, or to take off its cover so that you can see or remove what is inside

    She opened her shopping bag and took out an umbrella.

    Can you open this jam jar?

    Open your books at page 25.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      [intransitive] if something such as a flower opens, it moves into its widest position and you can see its full shape

      Her parachute failed to open.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  2. 2
    [transitive] to move a door or window into a position that allows people or things to pass through

    Do you mind if I open a window?

    The school gates are opened at 8.45.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      [intransitive] if something such as a door opens, it moves into a position that allows people or things to pass through

      The lift doors opened and two men walked out.

      open onto/into something:

      The kitchen door opens onto a patio.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  4. 4
    [intransitive/transitive] if a shop, public building etc opens at a particular time, or if someone opens it, it regularly becomes available for people to visit or use at that time

    The library doesn't open till 9.30.

    I'm calling to ask when you open today.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  5. 5

    open

     or

    open up

     [intransitive/transitive] if a new business, building etc opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use for the first time

    They decided to move to Spain and open a bar.

    The college first opened in the 1960s.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      [intransitive/transitive] if something that has been private or secret opens, or if someone opens it to people, it becomes available for people to visit, see, or take part in
      open something to someone:

      There are plans to open the gardens to the public.

      open something to competition/inspection/scrutiny:

      The telecommunications market has been opened up to competition.

      open your doors/gates to someone:

      The farmer opens his gates to visitors during the lambing season.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    2. b.
      [intransitive] theatre, cinema if a film or play opens, it starts being shown to the public

      Her new play has just opened on Broadway.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    3. c.
      [intransitive/transitive] if a road, telephone line, or other method of communication opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use

      We are opening a hotline for enquiries about the product.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    4. d.
      [transitive] if a famous person opens a shop or public building, they appear there to say that it is officially available for people to use or visit

      The Queen is opening the new gallery on Saturday.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  6. 6
    [transitive] to begin something such as a discussion or trial

    She opened the debate by summarizing her party's position.

    open an investigation/inquiry/inquest:

    The police have opened an investigation into his business affairs.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      [intransitive] to begin a speech
      open with:

      He opened his talk with a quotation from Shakespeare.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    2. b.
      [transitive] to start an account with a bank

      You only need £1 to open an account with us.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    3. c.
      [intransitive] when a period of time opens, it begins

      The year opened well for the company.

      The trout fishing season opened last week.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of open

phrases

phrasal verbs

See also

This is the British English definition of open. View American English definition of open.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for open.

 

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