Definition

1. Noun:
   • A personal belief or judgment: A view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter. It is not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
   • A formal statement of reasons for a judgment given by a judge or court: The part of a judicial decision that explains the legal reasoning behind the ruling.
   • The beliefs or views of a group: The collective views or sentiments of the public or a specific group of people.
   • A professional estimate or advice: A formal judgment or appraisal given by an expert in a particular field.

Examples of Usage

• Personal Belief:
  • In my opinion, the film was excellent.
  • She asked for his opinion on the new design.
• Judicial Statement:
  • The judge wrote a dissenting opinion.
  • The court's opinion was published in the legal journal.
• Public Sentiment:
  • Public opinion is strongly against the policy.
  • The poll measures voter opinion.
• Expert Judgment:
  • I need a second medical opinion before the surgery.

Advanced Usage

• To be of the opinion that...: To hold a specific belief or view.
  • I am of the opinion that we should wait for more data.
• A matter of opinion: Something that is not a fact and about which people can have different views.
  • Whether this is the best strategy is a matter of opinion.

Variants and Related Words

• Opinionated (adj): Holding very strong opinions and being unwilling to change them.
  • He is too opinionated to listen to other views.
• Opinion poll (n): A survey of public opinion.
  • The latest opinion poll shows a shift in support.

Synonyms

• View: A particular way of considering a matter.
• Belief: A feeling of being sure that something exists or is true.
• Judgment: An opinion or decision formed after careful thought.
• Sentiment: A view or attitude toward a situation.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• To have a high/low opinion of someone/something: To think very well or very poorly of someone or something.
  • I have a very high opinion of her work ethic.
  • He has a low opinion of modern art.

Related Idioms

• In my humble opinion (IMHO): A phrase used, often online, to preface a statement of one's view, suggesting modesty.
  • IMHO, the original version was better.
• Difference of opinion: A disagreement.
  • We had a difference of opinion about how to proceed.

Noun

1. a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
   • his impression of her was favorable
   • what are your feelings about the crisis?
   • it strengthened my belief in his sincerity
   • I had a feeling that she was lying
2. the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)
3. the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision
   • opinions are usually written by a single judge
4. a belief or sentiment shared by most people; the voice of the people
   • he asked for a poll of public opinion
5. a message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof
   • his opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page
6. a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
   • my opinion differs from yours
   • I am not of your persuasion
   • what are your thoughts on Haiti?