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opinion

n. C / U
A1 Beginner Oxford US //əˈpɪnjən// UK //əpˈɪniən// opin·ion Archaic General-service

n. what you think or believe about something. It is not always based on facts, but on your own feelings or ideas.

n. a view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. Often used in legal contexts to describe a formal statement by a court or expert.


SIMPLE

In my opinion, this is the best restaurant in town.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee asked for a second opinion before they made a final decision on the new budget.

COMPLEX

While the public's opinion remains divided on the issue, the judge's written opinion provided a clear legal framework for future cases of this nature.

Synonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'on' or 'about'; the phrase 'in my opinion' is a standard sentence-starter.

Pitfall

according to my opinionin my opinionLearners often use 'according to' for their own views, but 'according to' is typically used for external sources or other people.

Idioms2 entries

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