Your opinion about something is what you think or believe about it.
I wasn't asking for your opinion, Dick.
He held the opinion that a government should think before introducing a tax.
Most who expressed an opinion spoke favorably of Thomas.
Synonyms: belief, feeling, view, idea More Synonyms of opinion
2. singular noun
Your opinionof someone is your judgment of their character or ability.
That improved Mrs Goole's already favourable opinion of him. [+ of]
Synonyms: estimation, view, impression, assessment More Synonyms of opinion
3. uncountable noun
You can refer to the beliefs or views that people have as opinion.
Some, I suppose, might even be in positions to influence opinion.
There is a broad consensus of opinion about the policies which should be pursued. [+ about]
4. countable noun [usually singular]
An opinion from an expert is the advice or judgment that they give you in the subject that they know a lot about.
Severe, prolonged pain, especially at rest, needs a medical opinion.
5. See also public opinion, second opinion
6.
See in sb's opinion
7.
See of the opinion
8. a matter of opinion
opinion in British English
(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 matter of opinion
7. be of the opinion that
Word origin
C13: via Old French from Latin opīniō belief, from opīnārī to think; see opine
opinion in American English
(əˈpɪnjən; oʊˈpɪnjən)
noun
1.
a belief not based on absolute certainty or positive knowledge but on what seems true, valid, or probable to one's own mind; judgment
2.
an evaluation, impression, or estimation of the quality or worth of a person or thing
3.
the formal judgment of an expert on a matter in which advice is sought
4. Law
the formal statement by a judge, court referee, etc. of the law bearing on a case
SYNONYMY NOTE: opinion applies to a conclusion or judgment which, while it remains open to dispute, seemstrue or probable to one's own mind [it's my opinion that he'll agree]; belief refers to the mental acceptance of an idea or conclusion, often a doctrine or dogmaproposed to one for acceptance [religious beliefs]; a view is an opinion affected by one's personal manner of looking at things [she gave us her views on life]; a conviction is a strong belief about whose truth one has no doubts [I have a conviction of your innocence]; sentiment refers to an opinion that is the result of deliberation but is colored with emotion;, persuasion refers to a strong belief that is unshakable because one wishes to believe in itstruth
Word origin
ME opinioun < OFr < L opinio < opinari, to think, akin to optare, to select, desire: see UNRESOLVED CROSS REF
COBUILD Collocations
opinion
divide opinion
expert opinion
express your opinion
split opinion
subjective opinion
voice your opinion
Examples of 'opinion' in a sentence
opinion
There are differences of opinion about the remedy.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Social media is great but people voice their opinions in the wrong way sometimes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We both have a higher opinion of ourselves than our abilities would suggest we should have.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Opinion polls suggest the outcome is too close to call.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He did not seem to be concerned about whom his opinions might be hurting.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It is an opinion people have of him that he has to overcome.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
On the doctor's advice they sought the opinion of an expert.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A business can take a huge step forward when you get an expert 's opinion.
The Sun (2016)
Suddenly he was working on the hoof, with vice-captains chipping in with strong opinions.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
As is often the case public opinion is moving ahead of political opinion.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
You can give us your opinions on your high street.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
They have all got their opinions about what should be going on.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
To what extent was opinion already being rallied?
Len Deighton Bomber
We fully support these measures which are backed overwhelmingly by the public and expert opinion.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Sport is not about silly votes and the opinions of silly people.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
When the symptoms persisted she decided to seek a second opinion.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It would be fantastic to have their opinion and advice.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Otherwise we open the door for our culture and background to influence our opinions in unhealthy ways.
Christianity Today (2000)
The consensus of opinion would suggest that structurally it altered very little.
Francis Pryor BRITAIN BC: Life In Britain and Ireland before the Romans (2003)
They are not people who crumble at the first sign of a strong opinion.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
And there was opinion poll evidence to support the view.
Wright, Vincent The Government and Politics of France (1989)
We have found no opinion or judgment in this book which need be called into question.
The Times Literary Supplement (2014)
With this background he might be expected to echo the opinions of the medical establishment.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
She was honest and forthright in her views and opinions.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He has a high opinion of himself.
The Sun (2010)
But he also had bracing opinions to share about their present occupation.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
The first is that the opinion polls are already moving in his direction.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
But that does not necessarily mean that in all cases these opinions are wrong or should be ignored.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
She sent the manuscript to a great number of the leading intellectuals to build up a body of favourable opinion.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Quotations
We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavouring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil stillJohn Stuart MillOn Liberty
There are as many opinions as there are people; each has his own correct wayTerencePhormio
New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already commonJohn LockeEssay concerning Human Understanding
Where an opinion is general, it is usually correctJane AustenMansfield Park
A study of the history of opinion is a necessary preliminary to the emancipation of the mindJohn Maynard KeynesThe End of Laissez-Faire
They that approve a private opinion, call it opinion; but they that mislike it, heresy; and yet heresy signifies no more than private opinionThomas HobbesLeviathan
Opinion in good men is but knowledge in the makingJohn MiltonAreopagitica
In other languages
opinion
British English: opinion /əˈpɪnjən/ NOUN
Your opinion about something is what you think or believe about it.
belief not founded on certainty or proof but on what seems probable
Most who expressed an opinion spoke favourably of her.
Synonyms
belief
It is my belief that a common ground can be found.
feeling
She has strong feelings about the growth in violence.
view
You should make your views known to your local MP.
idea
Some of his ideas about democracy are entirely his own.
theory
There is a theory that they met each other a few years ago.
notion
the notion that musical ability is present from birth
He has a realistic notion of his capabilities.
conviction
Their religious convictions prevented them from taking up arms.
point of view
His point of view is that money isn't everything.
sentiment
The Foreign Secretary echoed this sentiment.
viewpoint
The novel is written from the murderer's viewpoint.
What's your viewpoint on this issue?
persuasion
people who are of a different political persuasion
conjecture
Your assertion is merely a conjecture, not a fact.
2 (noun)
Definition
a judgment given by an expert
That has improved my already favourable opinion of him.
Synonyms
estimation
He has gone down considerably in my estimation.
view
a concise but comprehensive view of basic economics
impression
My impression is that they are totally out of control.
assessment
He was referred to a specialist for assessment.
judgment
In your judgment, what has changed over the past few years?
evaluation
Evaluation is standard practice for the training course.
conception
He doesn't have the slightest conception of teamwork.
appraisal
Self-appraisal is never easy.
considered opinion
idioms
See be of the opinion
See in your opinion
See matter of opinion
Quotations
We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavouring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still [John Stuart Mill – On Liberty]There are as many opinions as there are people; each has his own correct way [Terence – Phormio]New opinions are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common [John Locke – Essay concerning Human Understanding]Where an opinion is general, it is usually correct [Jane Austen – Mansfield Park]A study of the history of opinion is a necessary preliminary to the emancipation of the mind [John Maynard Keynes – The End of Laissez-Faire]They that approve a private opinion, call it opinion; but they that mislike it, heresy; and yet heresy signifies no more than private opinion [Thomas Hobbes – Leviathan]Opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making [John Milton – Areopagitica]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of appraisal
Definition
an assessment of the worth or quality of a person or thing
Self-appraisal is never easy.
Synonyms
assessment,
opinion,
estimate,
judgment,
evaluation,
estimation,
sizing up (informal),
recce (slang)
in the sense of assessment
He was referred to a specialist for assessment.
Synonyms
judgment,
analysis,
determination,
evaluation,
valuation,
appraisal,
estimation,
rating,
opinion,
estimate,
computation
in the sense of conception
Definition
a notion, idea, or plan
He doesn't have the slightest conception of teamwork.
Synonyms
understanding,
idea,
picture,
impression,
perception,
clue,
appreciation,
comprehension,
inkling
Synonyms of 'opinion'
opinion
Explore 'opinion' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of conjecture
Definition
a guess
Your assertion is merely a conjecture, not a fact.
Synonyms
guess,
theory,
fancy,
notion,
speculation,
assumption,
hypothesis,
inference,
presumption,
surmise,
theorizing,
guesswork,
supposition,
shot in the dark,
guesstimate (informal)
in the sense of conviction
Definition
to be convincing
Their religious convictions prevented them from taking up arms.
Synonyms
belief,
view,
opinion,
principle,
faith,
persuasion,
creed,
tenet,
kaupapa (New Zealand)
in the sense of evaluation
Evaluation is standard practice for the training course.
Synonyms
assessment,
rating,
judgment,
calculation,
valuation,
appraisal,
estimation
in the sense of feeling
Definition
opinion or view
She has strong feelings about the growth in violence.
Synonyms
opinion,
view,
attitude,
belief,
point of view,
instinct,
inclination
in the sense of idea
Definition
a belief or opinion
Some of his ideas about democracy are entirely his own.
Synonyms
notion,
thought,
view,
understanding,
teaching,
opinion,
belief,
conclusion,
hypothesis,
impression,
conviction,
judgment,
interpretation,
sentiment,
doctrine,
conception,
viewpoint
in the sense of impression
Definition
a vague idea or belief
My impression is that they are totally out of control.
Synonyms
idea,
feeling,
thought,
sense,
opinion,
view,
assessment,
judgment,
reaction,
belief,
concept,
fancy,
notion,
conviction,
suspicion,
hunch,
apprehension,
inkling,
funny feeling (informal)
in the sense of judgment
Definition
a decision formed after careful consideration
In your judgment, what has changed over the past few years?
Synonyms
opinion,
view,
estimate,
belief,
assessment,
conviction,
diagnosis,
valuation,
deduction,
appraisal
in the sense of notion
Definition
an idea or opinion
the notion that musical ability is present from birthHe has a realistic notion of his capabilities.
Synonyms
idea,
view,
opinion,
belief,
concept,
impression,
judgment,
sentiment,
conception,
apprehension,
inkling,
mental image or picture,
picture
in the sense of persuasion
Definition
a set of beliefs
people who are of a different political persuasion
Synonyms
belief,
views,
opinion,
party,
school,
side,
camp,
faith,
conviction,
faction,
cult,
sect,
creed,
denomination,
tenet,
school of thought,
credo,
firm belief,
certitude,
fixed opinion
in the sense of point of view
Definition
a mental viewpoint or attitude
His point of view is that money isn't everything.
Synonyms
opinion,
view,
attitude,
belief,
feeling,
thought,
idea,
approach,
judgment,
sentiment,
viewpoint,
way of thinking,
way of looking at it
Additional synonyms
in the sense of sentiment
Definition
a thought, opinion, or attitude expressed in words
The Foreign Secretary echoed this sentiment.
Synonyms
feeling,
thought,
idea,
view,
opinion,
attitude,
belief,
judgment,
persuasion,
way of thinking
in the sense of theory
Definition
an idea or opinion
There is a theory that they met each other a few years ago.
Synonyms
belief,
feeling,
speculation,
assumption,
guess,
hunch,
presumption,
conjecture,
surmise,
supposition
in the sense of view
Definition
opinion, judgment, or belief
You should make your views known to your local MP.
Synonyms
opinion,
thought,
idea,
belief,
thinking,
feeling,
attitude,
reckoning,
impression,
notion,
conviction,
judgment,
point of view,
sentiment,
viewpoint,
persuasion,
way of thinking,
standpoint
in the sense of view
Definition
an understanding of or outlook on something
a concise but comprehensive view of basic economics
Synonyms
study,
review,
survey,
assessment,
examination,
scan,
inspection,
look,
scrutiny,
contemplation
in the sense of viewpoint
Definition
a person's attitude towards something
The novel is written from the murderer's viewpoint.What's your viewpoint on this issue?