open-faced - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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open-faced

|o-pen-faced|

🇺🇸

/ˌoʊpənˈfeɪst/

🇬🇧

/ˌəʊpənˈfeɪst/

exposed surface / not covered

Etymology

Etymology Information

'open-faced' is a Modern English compound formed from 'open' + the past participle 'faced' (from the verb 'face'). 'open' meant 'not closed' and 'faced' indicates 'having a face or surface'.

Historical Evolution

'faced' derives from the verb 'face', which came into English via Old French 'face' from Latin 'facies'. 'open' comes from Old English 'open' (or 'op(e)n'), and the compound 'open-faced' developed in Modern English by combining these elements.

Meaning Changes

Originally the components referred literally to an 'exposed face or surface'; over time the compound came to be used specifically for foods with exposed toppings ('open-faced sandwich') and figuratively for a frank or candid expression.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

of a sandwich or similar food: having toppings placed on a single slice of bread so the toppings are exposed (not covered by another slice).

I had an open-faced sandwich with smoked salmon for lunch.

Synonyms

open sandwichopen-top

Antonyms

closed (sandwich)covered

Adjective 2

frank or candid in manner or expression; not hiding one's feelings or opinions.

He gave an open-faced answer about the team's mistakes.

Synonyms