opinion

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A personal judgment or belief about someone or something, which may differ from another person's view.

   Grammar: Countable; often followed by of/about/on, or a that clause in more formal style.

   Patterns

   • opinion of/about/on something
   • in my opinion
   • give an opinion

   In my opinion, the plan is too expensive.

   She has a low opinion of gossip.

   He gave his opinion on the design.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   A professional judgment given by an expert such as a doctor, lawyer, or adviser.

   Grammar: Usually singular with a professional adjective: medical opinion; formal contexts.

   Patterns

   • medical opinion
   • legal opinion
   • seek an opinion

   We asked for a second medical opinion.

   The court relied on an expert legal opinion.

Word forms

Common combinations

in my opinion

In my opinion, the course should be shorter.

strong opinion

She has strong opinions about privacy.

public opinion

Public opinion shifted after the report.

difference of opinion

They had a difference of opinion over the budget.

Synonyms and how they differ

view

Close to opinion, but often more reasoned and used in phrases like point of view.

belief

A belief is something accepted as true, often deeper or more settled than a casual opinion.

judgment

Emphasizes forming a careful conclusion, sometimes after considering evidence.

perspective

Means a way of seeing a situation shaped by experience, not simply a judgment.

Word family

opinionated adjective

Holding and expressing strong opinions too firmly.

opine verb

To state an opinion; formal and uncommon.

Commonly confused: opinion or option? opinion or fact?

Practice

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