loosely open

[ˈluːsli ˈoʊpən]
adjective/verb phrase
ligeiramente aberto, semi-aberto
1. Slightly or partially open; not completely shut or closed
The door was loosely open when I arrived.
A porta estava semi-aberta quando cheguei.
2. Open in a relaxed or casual manner, not tightly sealed
Keep the window loosely open for fresh air.
Mantenha a janela ligeiramente aberta para ar fresco.
3. To open something without securing it firmly
She loosely opened the envelope without tearing it.
Ela abriu o envelope de forma solta, sem rasgá-lo.
This phrase is commonly used in both American and Brazilian contexts to describe objects that are not fully closed. In Brazil, 'semi-aberto' or 'ligeiramente aberto' are the standard translations, while 'entreaberto' is also acceptable and often preferred in more formal settings.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
partially openajarslightly opennot fully closed
Antonyms / Antônimos
tightly closedsealedfirmly shutcompletely closed

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
semi-aberto, ligeiramente aberto
most common usage
Rio de Janeiro
meio aberto, levemente aberto
colloquial variation
São Paulo
ligeiramente aberto, entreaberto
formal and colloquial usage
Portugal
entreaberto, ligeiramente aberto
European Portuguese preference

Related Words

ajarslightlypartiallyopenlooselyslack

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep an eye loosely open
leave the door loosely open for negotiation
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →