Openminded

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. A mindset that allows for the exploration of various concepts and the acceptance of differing opinions without prejudice or assumption
2. A character trait marked by receptiveness to a wide range of thoughts and the capacity to adjust one's views based on new insights or information
3. A disposition characterized by a willingness to consider diverse ideas and an ability to embrace viewpoints that differ from one's own beliefs or experiences

Etymology: "Open-minded" is a plain compound: "open" joined to "minded," the past participle of "mind" used adjectivally in the sense "disposed or inclined," as in "high-minded" or "like-minded." Put together, it describes a person whose mind is disposed to receive ideas rather than close them off. The word is usually written with a hyphen, though the solid spelling "openminded" also appears. The image behind "open" is a door or window left unbarred, and the "minded" half carries an older sense of inclination or intention. Together they describe a mind that is ready to let new ideas in, which is the core of its meaning today. Because both parts are ordinary English words, the compound needs no borrowed material to explain it, and its meaning follows directly from the two halves.

Synonyms: receptive, tolerant, unbiased, broad-minded, liberal

Antonyms: narrow-minded, biased, intolerant, dogmatic, close-minded