open vs closed vs shut

Definitions

verb

1. become available
2. have an opening or passage or outlet
3. display the contents of a file or start an application as on a computer
4. make the opening move
5. cause to open or to become open

adjective

1. ready or willing to receive favorably
2. (of textures) full of small openings or gaps
3. open to or in view of all
4. accessible to all
5. openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness

noun

1. a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
2. a tournament in which both professionals and amateurs may play
3. information that has become public
4. where the air is unconfined

Examples

Laura Wade's Posh, timed to open as the Tories edged into power in May 2010, reminded us just what we were in for: overprivileged hooligans in drinking-society blazers who trash a pub as thoughtlessly as they will trash the country.

Management claimed the lockout was a temporary measure and that the plant would be reopened on May 9.

Note that you'll be able to find the demonstration projects themselves as open-source projects on the companion site to the column (see Resources).

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Definitions

adjective

1. (set theory) of an interval that contains both its endpoints
2. not open to the general public
3. used especially of mouth or eyes
4. blocked against entry
5. not having an open mind

Examples

She tore her eyes from them for a moment to spy the bodhrán player in the tree, tapping out her rhythm with her eyes closed, not noticing the spy amongst them.

It might as well be closed, because in many American hospitals you're simply shooed from the windowsill after you've been nursed back to health (usually in 72 hours or less), and you're expected to "fly" on your own.

When the Mexican chair of the meeting declared the talks formally closed there were whoops of delight from the African delegates.

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