Definition

Verb: * To keep something available or reserved for a specific person or purpose, often for a future time. It implies an active effort to prevent that position, opportunity, or option from being taken by someone else or from closing.

Examples

• Verb:
  • The university will hold open the scholarship for her until she makes her decision.
  • Can you hold open a seat for me at the meeting? I might be late.
  • The manager agreed to hold open the job offer for another week.

Advanced Usage

• "to hold open the possibility": To deliberately avoid making a final decision or taking an action that would eliminate a future option.
  • The two companies are holding open the possibility of a future collaboration.

Variants and Related Words

• Keep open (phrasal verb): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "hold open."
  • Please keep open a spot on the team for the new transfer student.

Synonyms

• Reserve: To arrange for something to be kept for a particular person or purpose.
• Keep: To continue to have or retain, especially for future use.
• Save: To keep something for future use; to prevent it from being used or taken.

Related Phrases

• Hold a place: To keep a position or spot available.
  • They are holding a place for her in the advanced class.

Verb

1. retain rights to
   • keep my job for me while I give birth
   • keep my seat, please
   • keep open the possibility of a merger