shut
0 antonyms and opposites of shut, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To close something, such as a door, book, or business.
How to use shut
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English scyttan, "to bolt or shut," related to the idea of shooting a bolt across a door.
Full origin of shut →Frequently asked questions
What does “shut” mean?
The word “shut” means to close something, such as a door, book, or business. In plain terms, to close something, or the state of being closed.
How do you pronounce “shut”?
“Shut” is pronounced shuht (/ʃʌt/ in IPA).
How do you use “shut” in a sentence?
Here is “shut” used in a sentence: “Please shut the window, it's getting cold.”
What part of speech is “shut”?
Depending on how it is used, “shut” can be a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “shut” come from?
The word “shut” comes from Old English. From Old English scyttan, "to bolt or shut," related to the idea of shooting a bolt across a door.
Is “shut” a common word?
“Shut” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “shut” have?
“Shut” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to close something, such as a door, book, or business.
What is the difference between "shut" and "close"?
The two are usually interchangeable, since both mean to move something into a closed position. "Close" tends to sound slightly more formal or gentle, while "shut" is blunter and more forceful, which is why we slam something shut. "Close" also has figurative uses, such as closing a deal, where "shut" would not fit.
Is "shut" rude or impolite?
The word itself is neutral: you can shut a door or shut a shop without any rudeness. It only sounds harsh in certain phrases, most famously "shut up," which is an abrupt way of telling someone to be quiet. In everyday use, shutting things is perfectly ordinary and polite.
What is the past tense of "shut"?
"Shut" is unusual in that it never changes form: the base, past tense, and past participle are all "shut." You shut the door today, you shut it yesterday, and you have shut it many times before. There is no "shutted." Only the continuous form, "shutting," adds an ending.