opinion

opin·ion

noun \ə-ˈpin-yən\

Definition of OPINION

1

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

2

a : belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge b : a generally held view

3

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

Examples of OPINION

1. We asked for their opinions about the new stadium.
2. In my opinion, it's the best car on the market.
3. The article discusses two recent Supreme Court opinions.

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

Related Words: say; impression, perception, take; attitude; assumption, presumption, presupposition; conclusion, decision, determination; deliverance, esteem, estimate, estimation; credence, credit, faith; concept, conception, idea, thought; position, stance, stand; comment, obiter dictum, observation, reflection, remark; conjecture, guess, hunch, hypothesis, surmise, theory; advice, input, recommendation, suggestion; angle, outlook, perspective, shoes, slant, standpoint, viewpoint; counterview

Near Antonyms: fact, truth

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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