adjective
open-minded
OH-pun-MYN-did
Open-minded (adjective) means willing to consider ideas, evidence and ways of living that differ from your own instead of dismissing them out of hand. Example: “Try to stay open-minded until you have heard both sides.”
adjective
1
Willing to consider ideas, evidence and ways of living that differ from your own instead of dismissing them out of hand.
"Try to stay open-minded until you have heard both sides."
"She is remarkably open-minded for someone who grew up in such a strict household."
2
euphemistic In dating profiles and personal ads, willing to try a range of sexual activities or relationship arrangements.
"His profile says he is laid-back and open-minded, which usually means something specific."
How to use open-minded
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishReady to listen to ideas that are not your own.
When to use it
Neutral and positive in general use; euphemistic on dating apps.
Memory tip
The related idiom is 'keep an open mind', which is far more common than saying 'be open-minded' in speech.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
keep an open mind
open-minded approach
remarkably open-minded
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Try to stay _____ until you have heard both sides.
Etymology
A compound of open and minded, on the pattern of like-minded and narrow-minded.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for open-minded
See all rhymes for open-minded →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between open-minded and gullible?
An open-minded person will genuinely consider a new claim and then weigh the evidence for it. A gullible person accepts the claim without weighing anything. Open-mindedness includes the willingness to reject an idea once you have examined it.
Is open-minded hyphenated?
Yes, before or after a noun the standard form keeps the hyphen: an open-minded teacher, she is open-minded. The noun is open-mindedness.
What does open-minded mean on a dating profile?
Often it is a coded way of saying the person is willing to try a wide range of sexual activities, or is open to non-monogamous arrangements. Elsewhere the word carries no such implication, so read it in context.
What is the meaning of open-minded?
"open-minded" (adjective) means willing to consider ideas, evidence and ways of living that differ from your own instead of dismissing them out of hand.
