Opened
ˈoʊpənd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo remove a barrier or obstruction to allow access, view, or passage.
ˈoʊpənd
To cause something to be no longer closed or sealed.
He opened the book and began to read.
💡 Simply: Imagine a box that's closed. To 'open' it is like letting you look inside! It's the act of unclosing or revealing something.
👶 For kids: To open something means to make it so you can see inside or go through it.
More Examples
The store opened at 9 a.m.
She opened the window to let in some fresh air.
How It's Used
"She opened the door and walked inside."
"The company opened a new branch in London."
To start or commence something, often a business or event.
ˈoʊpənd
To begin or start something.
The concert opened with a popular band.
💡 Simply: Imagine the start of a game! To 'open' something here means like starting the game! It's the beginning part.
👶 For kids: To open something also means to start it, like when you open a game or a party.
More Examples
The new restaurant opened last week.
The debate opened with strong arguments from both sides.
How It's Used
"The festival opened with a spectacular fireworks display."
"The meeting opened with a welcome speech."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
open up
To begin to talk more freely about your thoughts and feelings.
"She started to open up to her therapist."
open a can of worms
To create a situation that causes many problems or difficulties.
"Investigating the company's finances opened a can of worms."
wide open
Completely exposed or available.
"The competition is wide open this year."
From Middle English *openen, opnen*, from Old English *openian* (“to open”), from Proto-Germanic *uz-ōpjaną (“to open”), from *uz- (“out”) + *ōpjaną (“to open”).
The word 'opened' has been used for centuries to describe actions of revealing or starting something. It has been used in literature, legal documents, and everyday conversation.