| English Dictionary |
OPEN-ENDED
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
| IPA (US): |  |
Dictionary entry overview: What does open-ended mean?
• OPEN-ENDED (adjective)
The adjective OPEN-ENDED has 3 senses:
1. without fixed limits or restrictions
2. allowing for a spontaneous response
3. allowing for future changes or revisions
Familiarity information: OPEN-ENDED used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Without fixed limits or restrictions
Context example:
an open-ended discussion
Similar:
unrestricted (not subject to or subjected to restriction)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Allowing for a spontaneous response
Context example:
an open-ended question
Similar:
indeterminate; undetermined (not precisely determined or established; not fixed or known in advance)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Allowing for future changes or revisions
Context example:
open-ended agreements
Similar:
changeable; changeful (such that alteration is possible; having a marked tendency to change)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives." (Native American proverb, Sioux)
"At the narrow passage there is no brother and no friend." (Arabic proverb)
"An idle man is up to no good." (Corsican proverb)