Openness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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openness

[ˈoʊpənnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in relationships

The quality of being open and honest, and willing to share thoughts and feelings with others. It involves being transparent and sincere in communication.

Synonyms

candor, honesty, sincerity, transparency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
openness	Used when describing a general willingness to talk or share information freely. Her openness about her struggles inspired many people. The company values openness in communication with its employees.
honesty	Used to describe being truthful and not deceiving people. Honesty is the best policy in any relationship. His honesty was never in question; everyone trusted him.
transparency	Used when referring to the practice of openness and clarity in communication and actions, often in official or formal settings. The government promised greater transparency in its dealings. Transparency is crucial for building trust with stakeholders.
sincerity	Used to describe the quality of being genuine and free from pretense or deceit. I could feel the sincerity in her apology. Sincerity in her voice made the compliment seem more meaningful.
candor	Used to describe being straightforward and frank, often in a way that is refreshing or blunt. I appreciated his candor during the meeting; he didn't sugarcoat the challenges. Her candor can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness, but she just believes in being honest.

Examples of usage

Their relationship thrived because of the openness between them.
Openness is essential for building trust in any relationship.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in society

The willingness to consider new ideas, perspectives, and information without prejudice. It promotes inclusivity and diversity.

Synonyms

acceptance, broad-mindedness, receptiveness, tolerance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
openness	Used when describing a general willingness to listen to and consider new ideas or ways of thinking. Often used in professional or educational settings. Her openness to feedback helped her improve her performance significantly. Openness in communication is crucial for a healthy work environment.
tolerance	Used to indicate an ability or willingness to tolerate the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. It can sometimes have a connotation of enduring something unpleasant. Promoting tolerance in the workplace can reduce conflicts and improve teamwork. Despite their differences, there was a mutual tolerance between the two groups.
acceptance	Used to refer to the act of agreeing or consenting to do something, or acknowledging someone's thoughts, feelings, or differences. Often used in personal or social contexts. His acceptance of the new role showed his dedication to the company. Acceptance of different cultures can enrich our community.
receptiveness	Used to highlight an individual's or group's readiness to receive or consider new information or suggestions. Often used in educational or improvement-focused scenarios. The team’s receptiveness to new strategies was key to their success. His receptiveness to constructive criticism showed his commitment to personal growth.
broad-mindedness	Used to describe a willingness to respect and understand different opinions, lifestyles, or cultures. Generally used in a positive sense, often in discussions about personal characteristics. Her broad-mindedness made her an excellent mediator during conflicts. Broad-mindedness allows people to appreciate differences without judgment.

Examples of usage

Cultivating openness in society leads to a more tolerant and understanding community.
An open-minded approach fosters innovation and progress.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in systems

The state of being accessible, available, and not restricted or exclusive. It allows for easy interaction and exchange.

Synonyms

accessibility, availability, inclusivity, unrestricted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
openness	This word is best used when discussing someone's willingness to accept new ideas, feedback, or to be honest and transparent. Her openness to learning new things made her a great student The company's openness about their financial status was appreciated by investors
accessibility	This term is commonly used in relation to how easily something can be reached or used by people, particularly those with disabilities. The new website was designed with accessibility in mind They improved the accessibility of the building by installing a ramp
availability	This word is often used to talk about the presence of something or someone when needed or requested. She asked about the availability of rooms at the hotel His availability for the meeting was confirmed by the secretary
inclusivity	Use this word when referring to policies or practices that ensure all people, regardless of their background or characteristics, feel accepted and involved. The school prides itself on its inclusivity The new workplace policies emphasize inclusivity and diversity
unrestricted	This term is best used to describe something that has no limitations or controls. It can sometimes have a negative connotation when implying lack of necessary controls. He had unrestricted access to the building The data was provided with unrestricted usage rights

Examples of usage

An open system encourages collaboration and creativity.
Openness in technology promotes interoperability and compatibility.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who exhibit high levels of openness tend to be more creative and adaptable.
Open people are often more accepting of diverse perspectives, leading to broader social networks.
Personality tests often rank openness as one of the five key traits that describe human behavior.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, being open is associated with honesty and integrity, fostering trust in relationships.
Countries with high levels of openness in the political system often see greater citizen engagement and democratic accountability.
Art movements often celebrate openness as artists explore unconventional ideas without fear of judgment.

Technology

The concept of openness in technology promotes free access to software and information, as seen in open-source movements.
Open data initiatives enable governments to share information with the public, enhancing transparency and participation.
The internet has created new platforms for openness, simplifying communication and collaboration across distances.

Literature

Openness is a common theme in literature, often explored in characters who seek truth and understanding in a complex world.
Many authors advocate for an open mindset as a way to combat ignorance and foster empathy among readers.
Classic works often reflect the struggles of characters grappling with their own openness to new ideas versus societal pressures.

Origin of 'openness'

Main points about word origin

The word 'openness' comes from Old English 'open', meaning to be uncovered or exposed.
Its roots trace back to Proto-Germanic, where it referred to being free from obstruction.
Over time, 'openness' evolved to encompass both physical and emotional states, suggesting both transparency and vulnerability.

The word 'openness' originated from the Middle English word 'opennes', which is derived from the Old English 'open', meaning not closed or barred. The concept of openness has been valued throughout history in various contexts, from personal relationships to societal structures. It represents a willingness to embrace new ideas, communicate honestly, and foster collaboration.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,484, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10481 obligatory
10482 appreciably
10483 radioactivity
10484 openness
10485 severed
10486 accusations
10487 hasten
...