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-mindedness
  noun
• open-mindedly
  adverb

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

See Examples For:

open-minded

For several years, my wife, my children and I found a sanctuary that was genuinely welcoming, open-minded and pluralistic.

From Salon ● Jun. 1, 2026

I’m also aiming to be open-minded these days, because it’s just not true anymore that the tech isn’t impressive.

From Slate ● May 24, 2026

By commencement, it’s too late to create an open-minded study body, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 9, 2026

However, Borthwick says he is open-minded as he plots his selection to face the Azzurri.

From BBC ● Feb. 27, 2026

I just have to hope our chaperone is open-minded enough to give me a chance.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston

Related Words

• approachable
• impartial
• observant
• tolerant