half-open

half-open — adjective

1. describes a door, window, container, or other object that is open just a little,

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes a door, window, container, or other object that is open just a little, so that a narrow space is visible but the object is not fully shut or fully open.

例句

Wei Chen left the bedroom door half-open so he could hear the baby's cries.

pattern: leave + [noun] + half-open

A half-open drawer caught Jamal's elbow as he walked past the desk.

half-open + noun as compound adjective

同義詞
  • ajar

    used only of doors and windows; slightly more literary in tone

  • partly open

    more formal and neutral, fits the same range of objects

  • cracked

    suggests a very narrow opening, usually of doors or windows

反義詞

用法筆記

Unlike 'ajar', which is used mainly of doors and windows, 'half-open' can describe any object that can be opened — eyes, books, suitcases, mouths, curtains, and so on.

常見錯誤

❌He left the window ajar open.
✅He left the window half-open.
💡'ajar' already means half-open; adding 'open' is redundant.
❌The suitcase was half-opened.
✅The suitcase was half-open.
💡Use the adjective 'half-open' (not the past participle 'half-opened') when describing a continuing state or position.