Open-ended

Merrian-Webster

Pronunciation

\ˌō-pən-ˈen-dəd\

Function

adjective

Date

1825

Definition

not rigorously fixed: as a: adaptable to the developing needs of a situation b: permitting or designed to permit spontaneous and unguided responses — open–end·ed·ness noun

Wikipedia

A closed-ended question is a form of question, which normally can be answered with a simple "yes/no" dichotomous question, a specific simple piece of information, or a selection from multiple choices (multiple-choice question), if one excludes such non-answer responses as dodging a question, refusing or declaring an inability to answer, etc..

Examples

• Do you know your weight? -- Yes
• What is your weight? -- 167 lbs

An open-ended question is a form of question, opposite to the closed-ended one, which cannot be answered with a simple "yes/no" or a specific piece of information.

• What do you think about your weight?