opinion

UK: əˈpɪnjən | US: əˈpɪnjən

Definition
  1. n. a belief or judgment about something, not necessarily based on facts

  2. n. a formal statement of advice by an expert or authoritative body

  3. n. the prevailing view or public sentiment

Structure
opin <think>ion <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "opinion" traces back to Latin opinio (a belief, judgment), derived from opinari (to think, suppose). The root opin- reflects the act of forming a mental judgment, while -ion nominalizes the concept into a result or state. Over time, the term evolved in Old French as opinion before entering Middle English, retaining its core meaning of a personal viewpoint or assessment.

Examples
  1. Her opinion on the matter differed sharply from his.

  2. The committee sought a legal opinion before proceeding.

  3. Public opinion shifted after the scandal was revealed.

  4. He voiced his opinion during the meeting.

  5. In my opinion, the plan needs further refinement.