opinion
/əˈpɪnjən
/noun
1A view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge: that, in my opinion, is right the area’s residents share vociferous opinions about the future...
- In fact, in my opinion, in the future you are either going to have to be very large or very small in this business.
- In fact, in my opinion, the attitude of the authorities has simply worsened.
- The two, in my opinion, aren't necessarily related in the short term.
Synonyms
belief, judgement, thought(s), school of thought, thinking, way of thinking, mind, point of view, view, viewpoint, outlook, angle, slant, side, attitude, stance, perspective, position, standpoint;
theory, tenet, conclusion, verdict, estimation, thesis, hypothesis, feeling, sentiment, impression, reflections, idea, notion, assumption, speculation, conception, conviction, contention, persuasion, creed, dogma
as I see it, in my view, to my mind, (according) to my way of thinking, from my standpoint, personally, in my estimation, in my judgement, in my book, for my money, if you ask me
1.1 [mass noun] The beliefs or views of a group or majority of people: the changing climate of opinion...
- The traditional view, and I'm sure the majority of opinion supports it, is that the Attorney-General does have a role.
- It went through six printings in its first year, but its effect on majority opinion was, for many years to come, negligible.
- The larger denomination coins and the notes are being spent but the vast majority of opinion regards them as having little spending power.
1.2An estimation of the quality or worth of someone or something: I had a higher opinion of myself than I deserved...
- They generally did not have a high opinion of the quality of audited financial statements issued by the balance of Bulgarian companies.
- I didn't want to be honest with her as to my opinion of the quality of that statement, so I said nothing in reply.
2A statement of advice by an expert on a professional matter: if in doubt, get a second opinion...
- The same guidance applies if you are seeking a second opinion from another NHS professional, such as a dentist.
- But that's the problem for media, where most who profess to provide expert opinions have a vested interest one way or another.
- Maybe some professional expert opinions are in order here.
2.1 Law A barrister’s advice on the merits of a case: the solicitor took counsel’s opinion...
- How does that fit in with the liability of, say, a solicitor for giving advice, or a barrister for giving chambers opinions?
- What you are told here is that the matters were referred to the legal assistance referral scheme for merit opinions which were not favourable to the clients.
- The Committee issues a consensus opinion though individual opinions on the merits may be added if members of the Committee so desire.
2.2 Law A formal statement of reasons for a judgement given: a dissenting opinion adjudged that the government had the right to protect ‘the symbolic value of the flag’...
- For all of these reasons, the plurality opinion is open to criticism.
- In his sentencing opinion, Judge Moore said that to sentence him as an adult would mean giving up on the juvenile justice system.
- It might be refreshing, though, to have a Supreme Court Justice who writes opinions with critical comments directed at himself.
Phrases
be of the opinion that
difference of opinion
a matter of opinion
Origin
Middle English: via Old French from Latin opinio(n-), from the stem of opinari 'think, believe'.