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opinion

n.
US //əˈpɪnjən// UK //əpˈɪniən// opin·ion
  1. 1 personal belief (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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. 2 professional advice (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The firm requested a formal legal opinion to ensure the merger complied with international competition laws.
  3. 3 legal ruling (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical 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.

    Example

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

    Example

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

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

Word family
  • Nounopinion
  • AdverbIMHO
Idioms3 entries
Related words

Last updated June 19, 2026