Open/close

To 'open' something is to make it accessible, allowing entry or passage, or to begin something. It signifies revealing or unfolding. To 'close' something is to shut, seal, or obstruct, preventing access, activity, or passage; it can also signify concluding or ending something. This duality represents a fundamental action with wide-ranging applications, from physical doors to abstract concepts like accounts or dialogues. The state of being 'open' implies availability, while 'closing' implies restriction and cessation. These actions are often complementary and frequently occur in sequence.

Open/close meaning with examples

• He decided to **open** the car door for her, extending a gesture of courtesy. The bakery will **open** at 7 am, offering fresh pastries daily. She was eager to **open** the gift, revealing its contents. The detective will **open** a new case, seeking to solve the unsolved mystery.
• She needed to **close** the window to stop the cold wind from coming in. The bank will **close** its doors at 5 pm sharp. I decided to **close** the book, putting an end to reading that novel. They will **close** the meeting with a vote, making their decision clear.
• The curtains were **opened** by her to let the sunshine in. Before bed, I **closed** the lid of the laptop to shut it down. The shop **opened** its doors for the first time last week. The authorities were set to **close** the investigation.
• She learned to **open** herself to new experiences. The manager had to **close** the factory, due to falling demand. He attempted to **open** a conversation with a stranger. We should **close** the deal before our competitors do.