rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryopinionBelief or judgment
noun

opinion

uh-PIN-yun/əˈpɪnjən/

A belief or considered judgment about something.

The two viewers have very different opinions about the painting.

Opinion: two adults viewing the same abstract painting; one woman visibly delighted gives a thumbs up, one man thoughtfully frowns with palm tilted doubtfully.
Etymology
opinLatinthink, judge, suppose
+ionLatinact or result

An opinion is the result of thinking or judging. Its early sense emphasized a conclusion based on evidence short of certainty, which helps explain its use for a personal belief rather than established knowledge.

In context

Clint Swindall1:53
everyone has a strong opinion about everything and so many people seem to think they have the only right answer
Episode 12 The Destruction of Being Right

More examples

  • In my opinion, the shorter route is safer.
  • She asks another doctor for a second opinion.
  • The judge's written opinion explains the court's decision.

Forms

opinion · opinions

opinionated adjective — Holding strong views and expressing them forcefully.

Similar words

belief
Emphasizes accepting something as true, rather than evaluating it.
view
Emphasizes a perspective or position on a particular issue.
judgment
Emphasizes a conclusion reached by weighing evidence or circumstances.