door
noun (countable)
UK/dɔː(r)/US/dɔːr/
A person or thing that facilitates access or entry.
Example Sentences
She was the door through which many talented artists entered the organization.
The innovative technology acted as a door to new possibilities in the field of renewable energy.
His mentorship was a door for young entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights.
The partnership served as a door to expanding their market reach internationally.
The new app became a door for users to connect with each other seamlessly.
Her role in the project was the door that bridged different departments together.
The funding provided by investors was a door to accelerating the development process.
His introduction to the key stakeholders was a door that opened numerous business opportunities.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A hinged or sliding barrier granting entry or closure to rooms or buildings.“Door” is used to describe the primary means of entering or leaving a room, house, or other enclosed space. In everyday scenarios, you might say, “Close the door so we can have some quiet,” or “Open the door for fresh air.” Doors can be made of various materials—wood, metal, glass—and come in styles like swinging, sliding, or folding. In instructional texts, you might note, “Ensure the door frame is level before installing the hinges,” detailing the step-by-step process for proper construction or repair. In more figurative language, “door” can symbolize opportunity or possibility, as in the phrase “when one door closes, another opens.” Grammatically, “door” functions straightforwardly as a noun, so you might combine it with adjectives (“heavy door,” “wooden door”) or with possessive forms (“the house’s front door”) to add specificity. Whether you’re describing architecture, giving home-improvement advice, or speaking metaphorically, “door” denotes a physical or conceptual passageway.
Alternatives
Although “door” is a perfectly clear noun, you may find situations where synonyms add variety or nuance. For instance, “entrance” can emphasize the function of a door as a point of entry. “Gateway” sometimes suggests a more formal or even grandiose opening, often seen in larger settings like castles or gardens. “Portal” carries a more poetic or fantastical connotation, frequently used in tales of adventure or science fiction. In certain architectural contexts, “threshold” refers specifically to the strip of material (like wood or stone) at the base of a doorway, yet people also employ it figuratively to discuss transitions (“We stand on the threshold of a new era”). For more specialized language, consider “hatch,” “sliding panel,” or “gate” to denote different styles of openings. Each choice subtly shifts the reader’s perception of the setting, whether it’s practical, grand, mysterious, or transitional, helping you adapt the language to the context at hand. By selecting the right synonym, you evoke unique imagery or atmosphere, ensuring your writing conveys just the right mood, whether straightforward or richly descriptive.
Writing
When incorporating “door” into your writing, consider context, function, and detail. Describing a scene in a novel might involve noting the material, color, or condition of the door—“The ancient oak door creaked, revealing a dimly lit corridor within.” Such specificity encourages readers to visualize the setting more vividly. In expository or informational texts, focus on practical factors: “Install a weatherproof seal to maximize energy efficiency around the door.” This approach guides the audience, blending clarity with utility. Metaphorically, “door” can serve as a powerful motif symbolizing transition or opportunity, inviting readers to interpret deeper meanings—“Her acceptance letter arrived, opening a door to an entirely new chapter.” Vary sentence structure by pairing “door” with potent verbs or adjectives—“He slammed the door,” “A door of hope stood ajar”—to add emphasis or mood. By blending concrete description with subtle symbolism, you ensure that “door” remains more than just a utilitarian object; it becomes a dynamic element that contributes to atmosphere, plot, and insight. This balanced approach lets you adapt “door” to diverse narrative and explanatory needs, enhancing reader engagement.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, “door” usually pops up when talking about routine actions: “Could you close the door?” or “Don’t forget to lock the door when you leave.” It’s such a familiar object that it rarely needs detailed explanations—everyone knows what it is and how it functions. However, it can also be part of friendly reminders or quick updates, like telling a roommate, “Hey, the front door is stuck again,” or asking a friend, “Mind opening the door for me?” In casual chats, people sometimes use “door” figuratively: “That job offer opened a new door for me,” meaning a fresh opportunity. If you’re talking about home improvement, you might share tips like, “We painted our front door to give the house a fresh look.” “Door” is so central to everyday life that it rarely draws attention unless there’s a problem—like a door off its hinges or a key locked inside. Still, it’s a handy term for small talk and practical reminders, easily understood by everyone and adaptable to countless daily scenarios.
Etymology
The English word “door” derives from the Old English “duru,” closely related to Old High German “turi” and Old Norse “dyr.” Rooted in ancient Germanic language branches, its core sense has consistently been that of an opening or closure for a building or room. Throughout history, doors evolved from simple wooden slabs or animal hides in rudimentary huts to more advanced constructions, showcasing hinges, locks, and elaborate carvings—often reflecting the architectural styles of different periods. Beyond the physical object, cultural and religious traditions worldwide have imbued doors with symbolic importance—representing sacred thresholds, passages between mundane and divine realms, or markers of hospitality. Even today, phrases like “knocking on heaven’s door” capture the significance of transitioning between states or spaces. Despite centuries of linguistic and technological development, “door” remains tightly bound to its essential function: the barrier or gateway between one area and another, encapsulating both privacy and invitation in a single, everyday term.