An open letter is a type of communication that is addressed to a person or organization but meant to be read publicly. The spelling of this phrase follows standard English spelling conventions. The first word, "open," is spelled as it sounds, with the short "o" sound followed by the "p" and "n" consonants. The second word, "letter," is spelled with the two "t" consonants and the "e" and "r" vowels pronounced in a schwa sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the two words would be spelled as /ˈoʊpən ˈlɛtər/.
An open letter is a written communication that is publicly addressed to a specific individual or group, often published in newspapers, magazines, or on online platforms. It is characterized by its intentionally open and public nature. The purpose of an open letter is to express a viewpoint, opinion, or concern on a particular issue, usually of public interest, directly to the intended recipient with the intention of capturing the attention of a wider audience.
Open letters are often used to raise awareness, generate support, or call for action on a particular matter. They may be written by individuals, organizations, or even public figures. By addressing the recipient openly, open letters aim to exert public pressure on the addressee, who is typically a person in a position of power or authority.
The openness of an open letter allows anyone to read and engage with its content, making it a platform for public discourse. It encourages readers to join the conversation, voice their opinions, or take action in response to the issues raised. Open letters can serve as a tool for accountability, transparency, and advocacy, allowing individuals and organizations to publicly express their concerns or criticisms.
Overall, an open letter is a written communication that is unambiguously addressed to a specific party but is intended for public consumption, often used as a means to raise awareness, initiate discussions, and make a public appeal for action on a matter of public concern.
The word "open letter" has its roots in Latin and English.
The term "letter" originates from the Latin word "littera", which referred to an individual written character or a written document. Over time, "littera" evolved into "lettre" in Old French and later "letter" in Middle English.
The word "open" in "open letter" refers to the nature of the communication. An open letter is a letter that is written with the intention of being read by a wide audience, typically published in a newspaper or other public platform. Therefore, "open" in this context means accessible or available to the public.
The term "open letter" gained popularity in the 17th century, primarily in the context of public announcements or communication between notable individuals on matters of public or political interest.