close-ended
UK[ˌkləʊs ˈendɪd]US[ˌkloʊs ˈendɪd]
adj
Having a fixed or limited set of possible answers or outcomes, not allowing for open discussion or unexpected results.
adj
(Of a question) designed to be answered with a simple "yes," "no," or specific piece of information.
Morpheme Breakdown
close
end
ed
close
shut
end
termination
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
The compound adjective "close-ended" is a modern formation built from two deeply rooted English words. "Close," tracing back to Latin clausus (shut), conveys the concept of being shut off or restricted. "End," of Germanic origin, signifies a boundary, limit, or final point. The suffix "-ed" transforms this noun phrase into an adjective. The term's logic is transparently literal: a "close-ended" item is one whose boundaries are firmly shut, metaphorically describing questions, systems, or processes that are confined to predetermined limits and do not permit open exploration beyond them. It exemplifies how English combines native and borrowed elements to create precise descriptive terminology.
Analysis
Structure: close (shut) + end (termination) + ed (adjective suffix)
- close: From Middle English, from Old French clos, from Latin clausus (shut, closed). Functions as a modifier meaning "shut" or "restricted."
- end: From Old English ende (end, limit, termination), from Proto-Germanic. Functions as the core noun meaning "termination" or "limit."
- ed: From Old English -ed, -od, -ad (past participle and adjective-forming suffix). Functions as a suffix creating a participial adjective.
Examples
The survey used mostly close-ended questions for easier data analysis.
It was a close-ended discussion, leaving no room for new proposals.
Multiple-choice tests are a classic example of a close-ended assessment format.