Opinion Meaning
Opinion Definition & Usage
A belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.
Examples
- "She expressed her opinion on the matter, though she admitted it was just a guess."
- "In my opinion, the movie was too long and lacked excitement."
- "I don't share your opinion on this issue; I think it's better to wait before making a decision."
- "He made his opinion known during the meeting, but no one seemed to agree with him."
- "Many opinions about the new policy have been expressed, but the final decision has yet to be made."
A formal or professional judgment or evaluation.
Examples
- "The lawyer provided her opinion on the legal case after reviewing all the documents."
- "He sought a second opinion before going ahead with the surgery."
- "An expert opinion was needed to resolve the dispute."
- "The committee is expected to give their opinion on the proposed changes next week."
- "After consulting several doctors, they finally reached a consensus based on the medical opinions."
A viewpoint or stance in a discussion or argument.
Examples
- "His opinion on climate change is quite different from mine."
- "We need to hear everyone’s opinion before making a final decision."
- "Her opinion on the subject was well-researched and persuasive."
- "I value your opinion, but I still think we should try my idea."
- "It’s important to respect differing opinions when engaging in a debate."
Cultural Context
The concept of 'opinion' has played a significant role in shaping public discourse, particularly in democratic societies where the free exchange of ideas is central. From political debates to social discussions, opinions are crucial in shaping policies and collective decision-making. Historically, philosophers such as Aristotle and Socrates discussed the role of personal opinion in contrast to objective knowledge, further enriching the discourse around opinion and judgment.
The Debate in the Coffee Shop
Story
The Debate in the Coffee Shop
It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and the small coffee shop was filled with the hum of casual conversation. Around a round table sat Sarah, Mark, and Emily, three friends who had been meeting every week for years. Today’s topic, as usual, was politics, and as usual, it sparked a heated discussion. Sarah, always the moderate one, started the conversation. 'In my opinion, the new policy is a step in the right direction, though I can see why people are frustrated.' Mark, who leaned more toward conservative views, quickly disagreed. 'Well, I think that opinion is misguided. If anything, this policy will only make things worse. It’s based on assumptions, not facts.' Emily, who had been quietly sipping her coffee, finally spoke up. 'I see both of your points, but my opinion is that we should focus more on long-term solutions, not just quick fixes.' As the conversation continued, each person’s opinion became more defined, but they also began to see the value in hearing each other out. Though they disagreed, they respected each other’s right to hold a different view. By the end of their discussion, they realized that while opinions may vary, it’s the exchange of those opinions that leads to better understanding. That afternoon, they didn’t come to any major conclusions, but they did come away with a deeper respect for each other’s perspectives. Sarah left with a smile, knowing that in their small coffee shop, the simple act of exchanging opinions had made their bond stronger than ever.
Related Words
