opinion

noun opin·ion \ə-ˈpin-yən\

: a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something : what someone thinks about a particular thing

: advice from someone with special knowledge : advice from an expert

: a formal statement by a judge, court, etc., explaining the reasons a decision was made according to laws or rules

Full Definition of OPINION

a : a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter

b : approval, esteem

a : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge

b : a generally held view

a : a formal expression of judgment or advice by an expert

b : the formal expression (as by a judge, court, or referee) of the legal reasons and principles upon which a legal decision is based

— opin·ioned \-yənd\ adjective

See opinion defined for English-language learners

See opinion defined for kids

Origin of OPINION

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin opinion-, opinio, from opinari

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to OPINION

Synonyms: belief, conviction, eye, feeling, judgment (or judgement), mind, notion, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view

Synonym Discussion of OPINION

opinion, view, belief, conviction, persuasion, sentiment mean a judgment one holds as true. opinion implies a conclusion thought out yet open to dispute <each expert seemed to have a different opinion>. view suggests a subjective opinion <very assertive in stating his views>. belief implies often deliberate acceptance and intellectual assent <a firm belief in her party's platform>. conviction applies to a firmly and seriously held belief <the conviction that animal life is as sacred as human>. persuasion suggests a belief grounded on assurance (as by evidence) of its truth <was of the persuasion that everything changes>. sentiment suggests a settled opinion reflective of one's feelings <her feminist sentiments are well-known>.

Rhymes with OPINION

champignon, dominion, Sardinian

OPINIONED Defined for Kids

opinion

noun opin·ion \ə-ˈpin-yən\

Definition of OPINION for Kids

: a belief based on experience and on certain facts but not amounting to sure knowledge <In my opinion you should take the job.>

: a judgment about a person or thing <She has a high opinion of herself.>

: a statement by an expert after careful study <He should get an opinion from a lawyer.>

Synonym Discussion of OPINION

opinion and belief mean a judgment that someone thinks is true. opinion is used when the judgment is not yet final or certain but is founded on some facts. <I soon changed my opinion of the plan.> belief is used if the judgment is certain and firm in a person's own mind without regard to the amount or kind of evidence. <It's my belief we'll win the election.>

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