English vocabulary · B2
Ajar
/əˈdʒɑr/ · adj., adv.
Ajar means a door or window has a small gap.
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Example sentences
- The bedroom door stood ajar.
- She left the window ajar for air.
Word origin and roots
from Middle English
- char — turn (from Middle English)
Synonyms and nuances
- OPEN — allowing a clear way through (Not Closed)
- UNCLOSED — not fully closed (Left Without Shutting)
- PARTLY OPEN — open only a little (A Small Gap Remains)
Words with the same root
char — turn
- chore — a regular small task
Lesson notes
Ajar means a door or window has a small gap.
Related: open, unclosed, partly open. Use ajar when a door or window is open just a little.
The bedroom door stood ajar. She left the window ajar for air.
From Middle English. char means turn. Middle English on char became English ajar. A door on the turn is neither fully shut nor open.