opinion

[uh-pin-yuhn]

noun

1. a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.

   Synonyms: impression, idea, notion, persuasion

2. a personal view, attitude, or appraisal.

3. the formal expression of a professional judgment.

   to ask for a second medical opinion.

4. Law.,  the formal statement by a judge or court of the reasoning and the principles of law used in reaching a decision of a case.

5. a judgment or estimate of a person or thing with respect to character, merit, etc..

   to forfeit someone's good opinion.

6. Archaic.,  a favorable estimate; esteem.

   I haven't much of an opinion of him.

opinion

/ əˈpɪnjən /

noun

1. judgment or belief not founded on certainty or proof

2. the prevailing or popular feeling or view

   public opinion

3. evaluation, impression, or estimation of the value or worth of a person or thing

4. an evaluation or judgment given by an expert

   a medical opinion

5. the advice given by a barrister or counsel on a case submitted to him or her for a view on the legal points involved

6. a point open to question

7. to believe that

Other Word Forms

• preopinion noun
• underopinion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opinion¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French, from Latin opīniōn- (stem of opīniō ), derivative of opīnārī “to think, deem”

Word History and Origins

Origin of opinion¹

C13: via Old French from Latin opīniō belief, from opīnārī to think; see _opine

Idioms and Phrases

see form an opinion; matter of opinion.

Synonym Study

Opinion, sentiment, view are terms for one's conclusion about something. An opinion is a belief or judgment that falls short of absolute conviction, certainty, or positive knowledge; it is a conclusion that certain facts, ideas, etc., are probably true or likely to prove so: political opinions; an opinion about art; In my opinion this is true. Sentiment (usually pl. ) refers to a rather fixed conviction, usually based on feeling or emotion rather than reasoning: These are my sentiments. View is an estimate of something, an intellectual judgment, a critical survey based on a mental examination, particularly of a public matter: views on governmental planning.

Example Sentences

“While announcing his ruling holding the defendant to answer, Judge Monguia expressed his opinion that the video did not show self-defense,” the panel wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether the next general election is in two years as Farage predicts or in four years' time as is more likely, a lot can shift fast – including opinion polls.

From BBC

Even with the victims and their families becoming more visible, new revelations or information are what drive news cycles and substantively move public opinion.

From BBC

But the speech was more about firing up the Reform troops than setting out policies, as he sought to capitalise on the party's recent local election victories and consistent lead in the national opinion polls.

From BBC

Reform continues to enjoy significant leads over more established parties in opinion polls but the next general election may be as late as 2029.

From BBC

Related Words

• assessment 
• assumption 
• attitude 
• conclusion 
• feeling 
• idea 
• impression 
• judgment 
• mind 
• notion 
• point of view 
• reaction 
• sentiment 
• speculation 
• theory 
• thought 
• view 
• viewpoint