# opened

/ˈoʊpənd/ (US) · /ˈəʊpənd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/opened
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. moved to allow access

verb · CEFR A1

moved a door, window, or lid so that people or things could go through.

For teachers: the past tense of the action of moving a barrier or cover to allow access or visibility.

- He opened the heavy wooden door and invited the guests inside.
- She opened the envelope with trembling hands, fearing the contents might confirm her worst suspicions about the project's funding.

### 2. started a business day

verb · CEFR A2

started being ready for customers to come in.

For teachers: the past tense of making a place of business or a public building available for use or service.

- The new café opened at seven o'clock this morning.
- The museum opened its doors to the public after a three-year renovation that cost millions of dollars.

### 3. having been unsealed

adjective · CEFR B1

describes something that is no longer closed or sealed.

For teachers: a participial adjective describing the state of having undergone the process of opening; often implies a seal has been broken.

- There was an opened bottle of milk sitting on the kitchen counter.
- The investigator noted several opened boxes in the warehouse, suggesting that the shipment had been tampered with before arrival.

## Examples

- She opened the window to let in some fresh air.
- The new library opened to the public last week after a long renovation process.
- As the sun rose, the heavy curtains were opened, revealing a panoramic view of the valley that had been hidden by the night.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.