English Reference
noun

opinion

n.
US /əˈpɪnjən/ UK /əpˈɪniən/ opin·ion UK spelling opinion's, opinion's

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    your personal thought or belief about someone or something, which may not be based on facts.

    a belief or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

    Simple

    In my opinion, the city is much more beautiful in the autumn.

    In context

    Public opinion shifted dramatically following the publication of the report, leading to widespread calls for policy reform.

    Pitfall
    In my opinion, I think the movie was too long. In my opinion, the movie was too long.

    Using 'In my opinion' and 'I think' together is redundant because they mean the same thing.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    the formal advice or judgment given by an expert, such as a doctor or a lawyer.

    a formal statement of advice or judgment given by an expert or professional body.

    Simple

    The doctor gave me a second opinion before I decided on the surgery.

    In context

    The firm requested a formal legal opinion to ensure the merger complied with international competition laws.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    a formal explanation by a judge about a decision in a court of law.

    a formal written statement by a judge or court which explains the reasons for a decision.

    Simple

    The Supreme Court issued its opinion on the case early this morning.

    In context

    The dissenting opinion argued that the statute was unconstitutionally vague and should be struck down in its entirety.

Usage opinion on the issues · opinion on anything · opinion polls


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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin opīniō
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated