- 1 [countable] your feelings or thoughts about somebody/something, rather than a fact synonym view opinion (about/of/on somebody/something) We were invited to give our opinions about how the work should be done. I've recently changed my opinion of her. Everyone had an opinion on the subject. opinion (that…) The chairman expressed the opinion that job losses were inevitable. He has very strong political opinions. In my opinion, it's a very sound investment. (formal) It is our opinion that he should resign. If you want my opinion, I think you'd be crazy not to accept. Language BankopinionGiving your personal opinion In my opinion, everyone should have some understanding of science. Everyone should, in my opinion, have some understanding of science. It seems to me that many people in this country have a poor understanding of science. This is, in my view, the result of a failure of the scientific community to get its message across. Another reason why so many people have such a poor understanding of science is, I believe, the lack of adequate funding for science in schools. Smith argues that science is separate from culture. My own view is that science belongs with literature, art, philosophy and religion as an integral part of our culture. In this writer’s opinion, the more the public know about science, the less they will fear and distrust it. synonyms at think language bank at according to, argue, impersonal, nevertheless, perhaps Language Bankaccording toReporting someone’s opinion Photography is, according to Vidal, the art form of untalented people. For Vidal, photography is the art form of untalented people. His view is that photography is not art but merely the mechanical reproduction of images. Smith takes the view that photography is both an art and a science. In Brown’s view, photography should be treated as a legitimate art in its own right. James is of the opinion that a good painter can always be a good photographer if he or she so decides. Emerson believed that a photograph should only reflect what the human eye can see. Express YourselfAsking for somebody’s opinion and involving others in a conversationIn a meeting or a discussion you may need to find out what other people think. In some exams, you have to show that you can control the conversation by asking for contributions from the examiner. I would say it’s OK in the city, but not in the country. What do you think? My feeling is that we could improve our performance. Do you agree with that? What would you say if we waited another month? What about you? Do you cycle? Which place do you think is more dangerous? The traffic’s going faster there, isn't it?/don't you think? Would you say that traffic's going faster there? So this would be a better option, right?(North American English, informal) Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivegood, high, low, … verb + opinionhave, hold, air, … opinion + verbchange, differ, vary, … opinion + nounpiece prepositionin your opinion, opinion about, opinion on, … phrasesbe of the opinion that…, a difference of opinion, in my humble opinion, …
- 2 [uncountable] the beliefs or views of a group of people legal/medical/political opinion (= the beliefs of people working in the legal, etc. profession) There is a difference of opinion (= people disagree) as to the merits of the plan. Opinion is divided (= people disagree) on the issue. There is a wide body of opinion that supports this proposal. Which is the better is a matter of opinion (= people have different opinions about it). see also public opinion Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectiveprevailing, general, popular, … … of opinionbody verb + opinionmould/mold, shape, sway, … opinion + verbbe against something, be in favour/favor of something, be divided, … opinion + nounpoll, former, leader, … prepositionopinion among phrasesclimate of opinion, shades of opinion
- 3 [countable] advice from a professional person They called in a psychologist to give an independent opinion. I'd like a second opinion (= advice from another person) before I make a decision. Word OriginMiddle English: via Old French from Latin opinio(n-), from the stem of opinari ‘think, believe’.Extra examples ‘Miami is wonderful.’ ‘That’s a matter of opinion.’ Contrary to popular opinion, many adult cats dislike milk. Contrary to popular opinion, not all of Hitchcock’s movies were great. He asked me for my opinion of the course. He has a very high opinion of your work. He writes an opinion piece in the ‘New York Times’. I don’t share your opinion of his ability. I don’t trust her, if you want my honest opinion. I formed the opinion that he was not to be trusted. If in doubt about your diagnosis, get a second opinion. If you want my honest opinion, I think the book is awful. In my opinion, golf is a dull sport. Opinion among doctors is that the medication is safe. Opinions are mixed regarding genetically-modified food. Opinions differ as to when this wine should be drunk. Prevailing local opinion is against the new road proposals. Public opinion is divided on the subject of capital punishment. She holds strong opinions on education. The bishop spoke without passing any opinion on the scandal. The country’s government appears disdainful of world opinion. The meeting will give people the chance to voice their opinions on the matter. This view is supported by a growing body of professional opinion. a genuine difference of opinion between the experts all shades of political opinion attempts to shape public opinion in the present climate of opinion opinions as to the merits of the plan ‘I think she’s great.’ ‘Well, that’s a matter of opinion ’. Everyone had a different opinion on the matter. I didn’t ask for your opinion! I think you should keep your opinions to yourself. I’ve recently changed my opinion of her. If you want my opinion, I think you’d be crazy to accept the offer. In my opinion it’s a very sound investment. It’s our opinion that he should resign. Medical opinion differs as to whether the condition has any psychological causes. Opinion is divided about whether to join the new currency. Public opinion is shifting in favour of change. There is a difference of opinion as to the merits of the plan. We try to represent all shades of opinion. You can always ask for a second opinion if you’re not sure. You need to be able to distinguish between fact and opinion.Idioms
(formal) to believe or think that… We are strongly of the opinion that great caution should be exercised in dealing with this matter.
your opinion that is the result of careful thought
to think that somebody/something is good, bad, etc. The boss has a very high opinion of her.
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