open-minded

American  

[oh-puhn-mahyn-did] / ˈoʊ pənˈmaɪn dɪd /

adjective

1. having or showing a mind receptive to new ideas or arguments.

2. unprejudiced; unbigoted; impartial.

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open-minded British  

adjective

1. having a mind receptive to new ideas, arguments, etc; unprejudiced

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Other Word Forms

• open-mindedly
  adverb
• open-mindedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of open-minded

First recorded in 1820–30

Explanation

If you're open-minded, you're willing to consider new ideas. An open-minded voter doesn't always stick to his or her political party and instead considers the opinions of candidates from both parties. (Finding an open-minded voter is a bit like trying to find a unicorn. Good luck.) When you've got a serious dilemma — say your two best friends aren't speaking to each other — it's usually helpful to ask an open-minded person for advice. Open-minded people can consider a problem from both sides, without injecting their own opinions or biases, and can often point you in the right direction. Open-minded is first recorded in the 1820s, from the popular figurative meaning of open (think "openhearted").

Example Sentences

Open minded is one thing but this is something else.

From New York Times • Apr. 9, 2018

Related Words

• approachable
• impartial
• observant
• tolerant