What does "opinion" mean?
A belief, judgment or perspective that a person has formed, either through objective or subjective reasoning, about a topic, issue, person or thing.
Opinion
/əˈpɪn.jən/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A belief, judgment or perspective that a person has formed, either through objective or subjective reasoning, about a topic, issue, person or thing.
- Grammar: opinion is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: belief, judgment, view, admonition.
- Useful contrasts: astronomical data, compelling direct evidence, data based conclusion.
- Usage evidence: An opinion is shocking only if it is a conviction.
How to use "opinion"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "opinion" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "opinion" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "opinion" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "opinion" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "opinion" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "belief" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "opinion", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A belief, judgment or perspective that a person has formed, either through objective or subjective reasoning, about a topic, issue, person or thing. countable, uncountable
"I would like to know your opinions on the new filing system."
- 2 the reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself) wordnet
- 3 The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation. countable, uncountable
"I haue bought / Golden Opinions from all ſorts of people, […]"
- 4 a vague idea in which some confidence is placed wordnet
- 5 Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"Thou haſt redeemed thy loſt opinion, […]"
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty wordnet
- 7 Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness. countable, obsolete, uncountable
"[…] your reaſons at Dinner haue been ſharpe & ſententious: pleaſant without ſcurillitie, wittie without affection, audatious without impudencie, learned without opinion, and ſtrange without hereſie: […]"
- 8 a belief or sentiment shared by most people; the voice of the people wordnet
- 9 The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a doctor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted. countable, uncountable
- 10 the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision wordnet
- 11 A judicial opinion delivered by an Advocate General to the European Court of Justice where he or she proposes a legal solution to the cases for which the court is responsible. European-Union, countable, uncountable
- 12 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 wordnet
Verb
- 1 To have or express as an opinion. archaic, transitive
"Philoſophers that opinioned the vvorlds deſtruction by fire, did never dreame of annihilation, vvhich is beyond the povver of ſublunary cauſes; for the laſt and proper action of that element [fire] is but vitrification, or a reduction of a body into Glaſſe, and therefore ſome of our Chymicks factiouſly affirme; yea, and urge Scripture for it, that at the laſt fire all ſhall be cryſtallized and reverberated into Glaſſe, vvhich is the utmoſt action of that element."
Antonyms
astronomical datacompelling direct evidencedata based conclusiondata-driven analysis
Example
"An opinion is shocking only if it is a conviction."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "opinion"?
Common synonyms include: belief, judgment, view, admonition, advice, advising.
How do you use "opinion" in a sentence?
An opinion is shocking only if it is a conviction.
How do you pronounce "opinion"?
Pronounced /əˈpɪn.jən/.
Etymology
From English opine + -ion, from Middle English opinion, opinioun, from Anglo-Norman and Middle French opinion, from Latin opīniō, from opīnor (“to opine”). Displaced native Old English wēna.