opinionn.
/əˈpɪnjən/, U.S. /əˈpɪnj(ə)n/ 1.
a. What or how one thinks about something; judgement or belief. Esp. in in my opinion: according to my thinking; as it seems to me. a matter of opinion: a matter about which each may have his or her own opinion; a disputable point.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > [noun]
weenc888
doomc900
advicec1300
wonec1300
opiniona1325
sentence1340
sight1362
estimationc1374
witc1374
assent1377
judgementa1393
supposinga1393
mindc1400
reputationc1400
feelingc1425
suffrage1531
counta1535
existimation1535
consent1599
vote1606
deem1609
repute1610
judicaturea1631
estimate1637
measure1650
sentiment1675
account1703
sensation1795
think1835
a1325 Statutes of Realm (2011) vii. 60 Warefore manie bez in oppinion trowinde þat a sullen ben iseid suuche pastures porteninde to hoere freo tenement, ant that suuche possesurs sullen asken accion þoru writ of nouele disseisine ȝif a bez deforsede of suuche pasture.
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) viii. 2782 Of hem that walken up and doun Ther was diverse opinioun.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) i. 74 (MED) For wisdam & prudent aduertence..in myn opinioun..this fable of amptis was contreved.
1447 O. Bokenham Lives of Saints (Arun.) (1938) 156 (MED) They shul sone han helthe & bote..Thys is fully myn opynyounn.
1483 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 157 (MED) In myn openion it shuld be gretly for the wele of that toune.
1532 (c1385) Usk's Test. Loue in Wks. G. Chaucer iii. f. ccclv Opinyon is whyle a thyng is in non certayne, and hydde from mens very knowlegyng.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 8 Saying ther ys no dyfference betwyx vyce & vertue but strong opynyon.
a1628 J. Preston Breast-plate of Faith (1630) 118 The object of opinion is something in its own nature uncertain.
1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 31 Opinion in good men is but knowledge in the making.
1704 J. Norris Ess. Ideal World II. ii. 130 What we call opinion, which is an imperfect assent or judgment.
1814 J. Austen Mansfield Park I. xviii. 346 To see such an undersized, little, mean-looking man, set up for a fine actor, is very ridiculous in my opinion . View more context for this quotation
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin I. xv. 241 Well, the position may be a matter of opinion.
1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 23 Opinion is based on perception, which may be correct or mistaken.
a1902 S. Butler Way of All Flesh (1903) xxxvii. 160 I never believed in the project, and have seen no reason to alter my original opinion.
1949 ‘G. Orwell’ Nineteen Eighty-four ii. vi. 159 That is not only my own opinion.
1988 Jrnl. Theol. Stud. 39 560 This is, of course, a matter where there is legitimate difference of opinion.
2000 J. Goodwin Danny Boy iv. 95 He turned aside to help the kid, who was, in my opinion, not playing with a full team.
b. With specifying adjective, as common opinion, general opinion, vulgar opinion, etc. A judgement, belief, or conviction held by the majority of or many people; what is generally thought about something. public opinion: see public opinion n. at public adj. and n. Compounds 1b.See also opinion poll n., opinion survey n. at Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [noun] > public opinion
common opinionc1390
vox populic1547
public opinion1615
crowda1628
vulgar opiniona1699
vox pop1735
vox pop1953
c1390 G. Chaucer Pardoner's Tale 601 If that a prynce vseth hasardrye..He is as by commune opynyoun Yholde the lasse.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) 743 (MED) Þe comoun opynyon and tellyng..scottys men..say þat many myracles..God schewed be him.
1494 Loutfut MS f. 33v, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Opinioun(e Eftir the opinion wlgair he [sc. the tench] hantez.
c1500 (?a1475) Assembly of Gods (1896) 1739 From Adam to Moyses, was idolatry Thorow the world vsyd in comon opynyoun.
a1538 A. Abell Roit or Quheill of Tyme f. 6, in Dict. Older Sc. Tongue at Opinioun(e And..he..slew hir eftir the common opunȝone.
1601 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor v. i. sig. M You see, How abiectly your Poetry is ranckt, in generall opinion . View more context for this quotation
1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriotaphia: Urne-buriall iv. 57 Mourning without hope, they had an happy fraud against excessive lamentation, by a common opinion that deep sorrows disturbed their ghosts.
a1699 W. Temple Ess. Pop. Discontents in Wks. (1731) I. 258 Nothing is so easily cheated, nor so commonly mistaken, as vulgar Opinion.
1735 Visct. Bolingbroke Diss. upon Parties (ed. 2) Ded. p. xxxi Let them stand, or fall in the publick Opinion, according to their Merit.
1763 Ld. Chesterfield Let. to Duke of Newcastle in Lett. (1845) II. 463 The public opinion put him below his level: for though he had no..eminent talents, he had a most indefatigable industry, a perseverance.
1792 T. Paine Rights of Man: Pt. Second v. 170 When such a time, from the general opinion of the nation, shall arrive.
1801 T. Jefferson in G. Tucker Life (1837) II. 101 The mighty wave of public opinion which has rolled over our republic.
1871 Daily News 20 Apr. 5 That is a question..in which ‘general opinion must assume the ultimate arbitrement’.
1892 Pall Mall Gaz. 29 Nov. 5/1 When the court has pronounced its decision, then let it be freely commented upon; but until then parties must not attempt to influence public opinion.
1915 W. S. Maugham Of Human Bondage xcvii. 513 Someone suggested that, if the war went on,..they would be glad to take anyone who was qualified; but the general opinion was that it would be over in a month.
1939 G. Gallup (title) Public opinion in a democracy.
1983 J. Barzun Stroll with W. James 2 Professional opinion was divided about what he really meant.
2002 Times 2 Jan. i. 4/3 Experts say that public opinion in all three countries will inevitably be influenced.
c. to be of (the) opinion (that): to hold the belief or view; to think (that). Also with further syntactic variation.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > form or hold an opinion [verb]
ween971
trowc1000
to be of (the) opinion (that)c1425
to be of (rarely in) mind1567
to take measure(s)1650
to take a fair (also wrong, etc.) measure ofa1797
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 817 (MED) Iacobus de Vitriaco Is contrarie of oppynioun.
1485 W. Caxton tr. Thystorye & Lyf Charles the Grete sig. eviijv/1 Thyery and the other were of thoppynyon of Rolland.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Richard III f. l Noble men..which emongest theim selfes were not of one opinion.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie i. xviii. 30 Some be of opinion..that the pastorall Poesie..should be the first of any other.
1623 J. Bingham tr. Xenophon Hist. 49 All, that are of the same opinion, let them hold vp their hands.
1714 J. Purcell Treat. Cholick 93 I am of Opinion..that the hitherto unknown use of the Spleen, is to interrupt the Fermentation of the Blood.
1735 B. Franklin Man of Sense 11 Feb. in Papers (1960) II. 16 I am really of that Opinion.
1785 T. Jefferson Let. 25 Sept. in Papers (1953) VIII. 549 If you are of the same opinion I would trouble you to send me two sets of table cloths and napkins.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) VI. 455 He was clearly of opinion they were both liable.
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits vi. 106 They require you to dare to be of your own opinion.
1886 H. James Bostonians I. xii. 90 I am of the opinion..there was a lady behind everything.
1904 L. F. Baum Marvelous Land of Oz 129 These females are..of the opinion that men have ruled the land long enough.
1947 G. Vidal In Yellow Wood i. iii. 37 I am of the opinion that this is a rising market.
1991 Washington Post 14 July f4/2 I am firmly of the opinion that ecocide is our certain future.
2000 Canoeist Apr. 21/1 We were both of the opinion that this was a force 9 gale.
d. Public or general opinion.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [noun]
voice?a1400
received opinion1440
vote1562
sense1563
minda1586
opinion1598
breath1610
vogue1626
climate1661
received idea1697
mass mind1922
idée reçue1933
mythology1949
1598 J. Marston Scourge of Villanie To Detraction sig. A3v True iudgement, slight regards Opinion.
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. i. xl. 133 Opinion is a power-full, bold, and vnmeasurable party.
1638 R. Baker tr. J. L. G. de Balzac New Epist. II. 96 It is not now onely that opinion governes the world; there hath beene disputing against Reason in all ages.
1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea II. xl. 259 Those..who offer incense to this..stupid idol, opinion.
1837 H. Martineau Society in Amer. III. 7 The worship of Opinion is, at this day, the established religion of the United States.
1841 I. D'Israeli Amenities Lit. I. Pref. p. vi Authors are the creators or the creatures of opinion.
1871 ‘G. Eliot’ Middlemarch (1872) I. vi. 88 There is no part of the county where opinion is narrower than it is here.
1910 Encycl. Brit. I. 429/2 Opinion is divided between Darius Hystaspes and Xerxes.
1946 W. Ivins Art & Geom. iv. 74 Opinion about such a matter could in the most literal, faggot, sense become a burning question.
1996 SFX May 63/1 Opinion is divided straight down the gender lines over whether Frank is right to indulge in a spot of extra-marital.
2002 Evening Standard (Palmerston North, N.Z.) (Nexis) 11 Nov. 3 Opinion is divided on what caused an increase in unemployment during the last economic quarter.
2. As a count noun: a view held about a particular issue; a judgement formed or a conclusion reached; a belief; a religious or political conviction. Formerly (also): †a plan, an intention (obsolete).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > information > rumour > [noun]
speechc1000
wordOE
hearinga1300
opinion1340
talesa1375
famea1387
inklinga1400
slandera1400
noising1422
rumour?a1425
bruit1477
nickinga1500
commoninga1513
roarc1520
murmura1522
hearsay?1533
cry1569
scandal1596
vogue1626
discourse1677
sough1716
circulation1775
gossip1811
myth1849
breeze1879
sound1899
potin1922
dirt1926
rumble1929
skinny1938
labrish1942
lie and story1950
scam1964
he-say-she-say1972
factoid1973
ripple1977
goss1985
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > [noun] > a view, notion, opinion
thingOE
thoughtc1300
opinion1340
device1393
holdingc1449
opinationc1475
sense1539
apprehension1579
suppose1587
supposal1589
conception1603
notion1603
opining1611
tenet1631
respect1662
sentiment1675
perception1701
1340 Ayenbite (1866) 69 (MED) Ofte hi ualleþ ine errour and ine ualse opinions and ine eresye.
c1385 G. Chaucer Knight's Tale 1269 I..wende and hadde a greet opinioun That if I myghte scapen..Than hadde I been in ioye.
c1385 G. Chaucer Knight's Tale 1480 This was his opynyoun, That in that groue he wolde him hyde al day.
a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) II. 287 Alle þes newe sectis..have newe opynyouns.
c1450 (c1405) Mum & Sothsegger (BL Add. 41666) (1936) 1167 (MED) Thenne fareth he [sc. Lucifer] forth felaship to gete, To holde his opinion ouer alle þingz.
?1503–5 H. Watson tr. Valentine & Orson (1937) 88 To that thyng I am not consenting by am of the oppynyon that we shal kepe Valentine in prison, the whiche can not escape vs.
1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. June 25 Gloss. The opinion of Faeries and elfes is very old, and yet sticketh very religiously in the myndes of some.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iii. v. 80 Nay, but aske my opinion to of that? View more context for this quotation
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Kings xviii. 21 How long halt ye between two opinions ? View more context for this quotation
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. iv. xi. sig. Ee4v As for my Opinions, whether of Persons, or things, I cannot in most cases command them my self, but must suffer them to be such as the Nature of the things I judge of requires.
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. III. 312 No Opinion truly good can promote any Moral Evil.
1789 W. Belsham Ess. II. xli. 526 It is not to controul opinions, but actions, that Government is instituted.
1844 B. Disraeli Coningsby III. viii. iii. 217 As for your opinions, you have no business to have any other than those I uphold.
1877 J. Morley Crit. Misc. 2nd Ser. 89 Our opinions are less important than the spirit and temper with which they possess us.
1906 J. Galsworthy Man of Prop. 56 She was getting to have opinions of her own. He didn't know what she wanted.
1940 J. Buchan Memory Hold-the-door iii. 48 I do not think that at that time he had any strong political opinions..except on the question of the Church.
1988 Which? July 321/2 Opinions on the usefulness of home banking varied widely.
2001 Village Voice (N.Y.) 27 Nov. 58/1 An articulate 36-year-old woman..who spoke fragrantly accented English and expressed feisty opinions.
a. What is thought of a person by others; the (esp. good) estimation in which one stands; reputation (of being such, or of possessing some quality). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > reputation > [noun]
nameeOE
talec1175
fame?c1225
lose1297
creancec1330
stevenc1374
opinionc1384
credencec1390
recorda1393
renowna1400
reputationc1400
reportc1425
regardc1440
esteema1450
noisea1470
reapport1514
estimation1530
savour1535
existimationa1538
countenancea1568
credit1576
standing1579
stair1590
perfumec1595
estimate1597
pass1601
reportage1612
vibration1666
suffrage1667
rep1677
face1834
odour1835
rap1966
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. iv. 24 His opynyoun, or fame [a1425 L.V. fame; L. opinio], wente in to al Syrie.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) ii. 7909 (MED) He was most of oppinioun Amongis Grekis, and reputacioun.
a1450 tr. Aelred of Rievaulx De Institutione Inclusarum (Bodl.) (1984) 4 Chese the a confessour, the whiche is an auncyant man of gode fame and of gode oppinyon.
1532 Test. Creseyde in Wks. G. Chaucer sig. Qqvi Of al women protectour and defence Thou were, and helped their opynioun.
1551 R. Robinson tr. T. More Vtopia sig. Lviiiv Which for the opinion of nobilitie reioyse muche in their owne conceite.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 v. iv. 47 Thou hast redeemed thy lost opinion . View more context for this quotation
1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 121 The change of names, hath most commonly proceeded from a desire to avoyd the opinion of basenes.
1637 J. Shirley Gamester i. sig. B2v I meane you have the opinion Of a valiant genleman.
1685 C. Cotton tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. I. 222 These fellows to make parade and to get opinion..are perpetually perplexing and entangling themselves in their own nonsense.
1705 G. Stanhope Paraphr. Epist. & Gospels II. 65 Every Counterfeit supposes something, not only of Reality but of Excellence too, which it hopes to gain the Opinion of, by such artful Dissimulation.
b. Report, rumour. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. xxiv. 6 Ȝe ben to heere bateyls, and opynyouns of bateyls. [L. Audituri enim estis praelia, et opiniones praeliorum.].
a1425 J. Wyclif Sel. Eng. Wks. (1871) II. 23 And opynyoun of Crist wente þourȝ al þe lond of Siry. [Vulgate (Matthew 4:24) Et abiit opinio eius in totam Syriam.].
4. A formal statement by a judge or other competent authority of what he or she judges or advises on a matter; professional advice; as a legal (also medical) opinion, to get an opinion of counsel, etc. In a second (also another) opinion: the opinion of a second (esp. medical) expert or adviser. Also in transferred and extended uses.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > [noun] > a view, notion, opinion > on a particular point
sentencec1386
opiniona1393
meaninga1398
belief1528
resentiment1606
value1637
resentment1675
the world > health and disease > healing > diagnosis or prognosis > [noun] > second opinion
a second (also another) opinion1885
a1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis (Fairf.) ii. 3214 (MED) Therto thei [sc. doctors] acorden alle As for final conclusioun, And tolden here opinioun To themperour.
c1485 ( G. Hay Bk. Gouernaunce of Princis (1993) xxxv. 113 Quhen thou askis at thy counsailouris thair opyniouns.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) iii. l. 332 ‘I gif consell, or this gud knycht be slayne, Tak pes a quhill, suppos it do ws payne.’ So said Adam the ayr of Rycardtoune, And Kneland als grantyt to thar opynyoun.
c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) lxxxii. 254 I desyre you all..to shew me your opynyons.
1563 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1888) I. 66 To ansuer till ws in writt ȝour opinioun and auctoritie thairfor concerning the articlis subsequent.
1598 Let. to Stowe (Ashm.) Your oppinioun in wrytinge or otherwise is expected.
1627 Rep. Parishes Scotl. (1835) 43 Oure judgement and oppinioun concerneing the articles proponit wnto ws.
1696 E. Phillips New World of Words (new ed.) Opinion, the Thought of him who gives his Advice upon any thing that is debated or consulted upon.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. i. xiii. 87 He would be obliged to him, if he would let him know his opinion of his Patient's Case above stairs. View more context for this quotation
1779 T. Jefferson Let. 27 Mar. in Papers (1950) II. 239 Perhaps the magnitude of this question..may render it worth while to await the opinion of the national council.
1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. v. 496 The Supreme Council..came to an opinion..that [etc.].
1861 H. S. Maine Anc. Law ii. 33 Collections of opinions interpretative of the Twelve Tables.
1885 C. M. Yonge Nuttie's Father II. xvii. 201 Dr. Brownlow..said it was a surgical case, and he should like to have another opinion.
1888 Chambers's Encycl. at Barrister Barristers in England advise on the law by giving an opinion on a case stated.
1899 Westm. Gaz. 9 Nov. 1/2 The three clergymen..who have refused obedience to the Archbishops' ‘Opinion’ on the legality of incense and processional lights.
1924 J. Buchan Three Hostages xvi. 237 There's no cause to worry about Peter John... But if you want another opinion, why not get it?
1954 M. Sharp Gipsy in Parlour xxiv. 228 So my father and Miss Jones agreed... I didn't think my father would be quite so pleased to know of this second opinion, so to speak.
1970 P. Lovesey Wobble to Death v. 52 Perhaps—another opinion. Your colleague..may see the possibility of a faster recovery.
1976 A. Clare Psychiatry in Dissent viii. 329 Two medical opinions..are required and the order is valid for twenty-eight days.
2000 Internat. Jrnl. Advertising 19 68 The editor may call for a ‘second opinion’ before accepting or rejecting [an article].
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > [noun]
to-hopec888
weenOE
hopea1225
thoughta1350
opiniona1425
attentc1430
looking1440
presume?a1500
beliefa1522
expectation1527
expection1532
looking for1532
looking after?1537
expecting1568
imagination1582
expectance1593
suppose1596
expect1597
expectancy1609
apprehensiona1616
contemplationa1631
prospect1665
supposition1719
speculationa1797
augury1871
preperception1871
a1425 (c1385) G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde (1987) iv. 1495 In me ther may nat synke A good opynyoun, if that ye wende.
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. 3179 He..smot þe kyng..Having þo noon oppinioun þat he was kyng, nor suspecioun.
c1450 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine (Arun. 396) (1893) i. 162 (MED) Whan þing is ferthest fro ovre oppynyon, Than werketh he his wondrys ryght at his wille.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VI f. cviijv [He] thought now, that al thynges succeeded, accordyng to his opinion and good hope.
1568 G. Skeyne Breue Descriptioun Pest vii. sig. B6 Quhay..most remoue the opinione of dethe, but not the dredour of God.
1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Trauellers Breuiat 136 The warre continuing beyond opinion, the State was inforced to procure pay for the armie.
1605 J. Dove Confut. Atheisme 5 When their consciences are possessed with an opinion of hell fire.
1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriotaphia: Urne-buriall Ep. Ded. sig. A2 Having no old experience of the duration of their Reliques, [men] held no opinion of such after considerations.
6. † a. Favourable estimate of oneself; conceit, arrogance; self-confidence. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pride > self-esteem > conceit > [noun]
opinionc1425
wind1484
vokea1508
conceit1567
self-weening1570
cockishness1573
weening1575
self-conceit1576
self-opinion1593
conceitedness1595
self-conceitednessa1602
self-opinionatedness1668
self-opinionativeness1743
egotism1800
swell-head1845
big-head1850
big-headedness1850
self-opinionedness1879
swollen head1898
swelled-headedness1907
ikeyness1911
c1425 J. Lydgate Troyyes Bk. (Augustus A.iv) v. 67 (MED) Palladioun, Whiche Vlixes..vniustly doth possede, On hym vsurpinge by fals oppinioun.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 iii. i. 181 Pride, hautinesse, opinion, and disdaine. View more context for this quotation
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida i. iii. 347 What heart receiues from hence a conquering part, To steele a strong opinion to them selues. View more context for this quotation
b. spec. A good or favourable estimate of someone or something; esteem. Esp. in to have no (great) opinion of: to regard as inferior or unworthy.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > [noun]
talec1175
daintya1250
price?a1300
accounta1393
recommendation1433
conceita1438
opiniona1450
tendershipc1460
regard?1533
sense1565
mense1567
sake1590
eye1597
consideration1598
esteem1611
choicea1616
recommends1623
value1637
appreciation1650
mass1942
a1450 (?c1421) J. Lydgate Siege Thebes (Arun.) (1911) 2463 (MED) Euery man hath swich opynyoun In Tydeus for his gentyllesse..That he was holde the moste famous knyght.
c1451 J. Capgrave Life St. Gilbert (1910) 112 (MED) He led a solitary lif in þe mountes and was in gret opinion both to þe Pope & þe court.
1545 Bp. S. Gardiner Let. 7 Nov. (1933) 179 If we leave nowe, we shal wynne this opinion, that we leave required and desired.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 115 Those who stande so much in opinion of their owne sufficiencie.
a1687 W. Petty Polit. Anat. Ireland (1691) 94 They have a great Opinion of Holy-Wells, Rocks, and Caves, which have been the reputed Cells and Receptacles of..Saints.
1729 W. Law Serious Call xix. 357 If a woman had no opinion of her own person and dress.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones V. xv. vi. 239 I know you have no Opinion of my Parts; but I'll shew you on this Occasion who is a Fool. View more context for this quotation
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice I. ii. 9 She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her. View more context for this quotation
1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations I. xvii. 282 I must tell you I should have no opinion of you, Biddy, if he danced at you with your own consent.
1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped v. 38 I had a great opinion of my shrewdness.
1929 J. B. Priestley Good Compan. i. i. 10 Leonard might be the darling of his mother's heart, as indeed he was, but it was clear that his father had no great opinion of him.
1976 N. Freeling Lake Isle xx. 140 I've no opinion of the stuff the supermarket calls Scotch.
1986 P. O'Brian Reverse of Medal viii. 237 Stephen had no opinion of that vapouring quack.
c. What one thinks of a person or thing; an estimate of character, quality, or value.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > evaluation, estimation, appraisal > [noun]
weenc888
rightnessOE
steemc1330
sight1362
witc1374
emprisea1393
reputation?c1400
apprizingc1449
nick?a1450
vail1471
countc1475
opinionc1480
estimationc1522
meting1548
reckoning1548
valuation1548
computation1558
account1583
cess1588
esteem1598
appreciation1605
resentiment1606
repute1610
ratea1616
assessmenta1626
estimate1637
vote1639
supputation1643
compute1646
value1651
resentment1655
contemplation1673
critique1798
appraisement1808
appraisal1817
viewa1854
sizing up1967
chit1989
c1480 (a1400) St. Blaise 9 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 361 Sume men gud opunyone has..quhat man he was.
?1510 T. More tr. G. Pico della Mirandola in tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. d.iiiv Ye haue not knowen the opinion that philosophres haue of them selfe.
1551 in A. I. Cameron Sc. Corr. Mary of Lorraine (1927) 345 That the King..sulde have..the better oppenyon in him.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Macbeth (1623) i. vii. 33 I haue bought Golden Opinions from all sorts of people. View more context for this quotation
1638 R. Baker tr. J. L. G. de Balzac New Epist. II. 203 It is impossible for mee to expresse the high opinion I conceive of you.
1675 W. Wycherley Country-wife iii. 43 His kindness only is not enough for me, without your favour; your good opinion, dear Madam, 'tis that must perfect my happiness.
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 16 I..had as good an Opinion of myself, as any body else could have of me.
1771 ‘Junius’ Stat Nominis Umbra (1772) II. xlviii. 182 Their constituents would have a better opinion of their candour, and..not a worse opinion of their integrity.
1811 J. Austen Sense & Sensibility I. i. 1 For many generations, they had lived in so respectable a manner, as to engage the general good opinion of their surrounding acquaintance. View more context for this quotation
1847 C. Brontë Jane Eyre III. i. 29 But, Jane, I see by your face you are not forming a very favourable opinion of me just now.
1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 12 The Coast..formed an even higher opinion of my folly than it had formed on our first acquaintance, which is saying a good deal.
1909 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Avonlea vi. 57 ‘It's really a beautiful world.’ ‘You won't have such a high opinion of it when you've lived as long in it as I have,’ retorted Miss Eliza sourly.
1965 E. J. Howard After Julius ii. vii. 104 She didn't clear up much..and his opinion of her dropped further still.
2000 A. Ghosh Glass Palace (2001) xxx. 353 Their CO had taken no pains to disguise his low opinion of his Indian officers.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
a.
opinion-former n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [noun] > making of > maker of
opinion-maker1858
opinion-former1906
opinion leader1936
1906 G. W. E. Russell Social Silhouettes xiii. 90 I should, I confess, resent any change which interfered with my position as chief opinion-former.
1962 Times Lit. Suppl. 24 Aug. 633/4 To hear well over half the electors of Britain talk, or read or listen to their favourite opinion-formers, one would conclude that it would be best..if no profits were made by any business.
2001 Times 30 Nov. ii. 21/3 The Government believes..newspapers..‘often consider themselves to be opinion-formers as much as conveyors of news.’
opinion holder n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > obstinacy or stubbornness > [noun] > stubbornness in opinion > person
opinion holderc1449
opiniator1534
opiniate1597
opiniastre1603
philodox1603
opinionatist1634
opinativea1649
opiniatrea1677
opiniatera1680
c1449 R. Pecock Repressor (1860) 87 Summe..ben clepid Doctour-mongers, and summe ben clepid Opinioun-holders.
a1500 tr. A. Chartier Traité de l'Esperance (Rawl.) (1974) 81 (MED) That hope..to opinion holders and obstinates is hope opynatyffe.
1996 Jrnl. Polit. 58 664 The property among opinion-holders of being for or against the nomination.
2002 Africa News (Nexis) 7 Sept. We have all decided to form a consortium of like-minded opinion holders against the return of Alamieyeseigha in 2003.
opinion leader n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [noun] > making of > maker of
opinion-maker1858
opinion-former1906
opinion leader1936
1936 J. K. Pollock in E. B. Logan Amer. Polit. Scene v. 228 Opinion leaders used every means available for making their propaganda perceived.
1968 Internat. Encycl. Soc. Sci. III. 51 The hard-core noncommissioned officers constituted a cadre of ‘opinion leaders’ who supported the control structure.
2002 N.Y. Mag. 6 May 18/3 There were 1,500 ‘decision-makers’ at the top of the pyramid..then 15,000 opinion-leaders below them.
opinion-maker n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [noun] > making of > maker of
opinion-maker1858
opinion-former1906
opinion leader1936
1858 Harper's Mag. Dec. 61/1 She knew every body's business, talked to every body, and acted as opinion-maker to a large majority of ladies.
1952 Time 27 Oct. 20/1 To intellectuals and other ‘opinion makers’, Eisenhower was infinitely preferable to the other two.
1975 S. Ranganathan in H. M. Patel et al. Say not Struggle nought Availeth 297 There are limits to growth as world opinion-makers are trying to explain.
2001 Wall St. Jrnl. 17 Sept. a18/1 Gen. Musharraf spent yesterday meeting with religious officials and opinion-makers to persuade them to back his policy.
b.
opinion-breeding n. and adj.
ΚΠ
1875 W. Cory Lett. & Jrnls. (1897) 375 Morbid combination of piety with opinion-breeding.
opinion-making n. and adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [noun] > making of
opinion-making1900
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [adjective] > forming opinion
opinion-making1900
opinion-forming1901
1900 Internat. Jrnl. Ethics 10 173 (heading) The ethics of opinion-making.
1956 C. W. Mills Power Elite xiii. 310 The means of opinion-making..have paralleled in range and efficiency the other institutions of greater scale.
2001 N.Y. Mag. 10 Sept. 40/3 Venture outside the opinion-making precincts..and the view of [Mayor] Giuliani is far more mixed.
c.
opinion-forming adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > opinion held by group > [adjective] > forming opinion
opinion-making1900
opinion-forming1901
1901 Amer. Jrnl. Sociol. 6 551 They [sc. artists, speakers, preachers, etc.] constitute the other opinion-forming sections of society.
1959 Encounter Nov. 66 Literary parties..the opinion-forming fringe of the United States.
2002 Grocer 9 Mar. 88 (advt.) Your brief will be to..continue to improve the brand status through key outlets and opinion forming consumers.
opinion-tapping adj.
ΚΠ
1948 J. Towster Polit. Power in U.S.S.R. vii. 153 The Party conference..is primarily..an opinion-tapping and effort-mobilizing agency.
C2.
opinion column n. a column in a newspaper or periodical which contains an opinion piece; an article in such a column (quot. 1947 refers to a regular column entitled ‘Opinion’).
ΚΠ
1947 R. B. McCallum & A. Readman Brit. Gen. Election 1945 xi. 206 Its ‘Opinion’ column was available for the development of his own peculiar election policy.
1955 Amer. Econ. Rev. 45 493 A regular refrain in the opinion columns of the several trade magazines read by exhibitors.
1997 Esquire Feb. 113/2 His old friend..asked him to contribute occasional opinion columns.
opinion mill n. a person who or organization which speculates on or disseminates public opinions.
ΚΠ
1867 J. G. Whittier Tent on Beach 85 One..Who..Had left the Muses' haunts to turn The crank of an opinion-mill, Making his rustic reed of song A weapon in the war with wrong.
1994 M. Bérubé Public Access 3 Since all the debates were taking place in the space of ten days, the opinion mill was working overtime.
2001 Slate Mag. (Nexis) 26 Feb. Our occasional exasperation with the opinion mill is literally the fallout of an overly disparate social and political context.
opinion piece n. an article in a newspaper or periodical expressing the opinion (frequently one which is controversial or biased) of the writer on a particular item of news.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > journalism > journal > matter of or for journals > [noun] > article > other types of article
lost1762
human interest1779
sub-article1815
sub-leader1839
turn-over1842
feuilleton1845
special1861
spesh1887
causerie1903
personality profile1922
think-piece1935
situationer1937
turnover article1952
opinion piece1957
tick-tock1972
listicle2007
1957 A. E. Rowse Slanted News iii. 43 This opinion piece, presenting the Hearst editorial line for the day, appeared in other papers in the chain.
2002 Guardian 17 Dec. 14/2 There are now,..more than 120 people in the British media who write regular week-in-week-out opinion pieces about domestic politics.
opinion poll n. an assessment of public opinion taken by questioning a random or representative sample of the public, often as a basis for forecasting patterns of voting (cf. sense 1b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > expression of choice by some approved method > [noun] > opinion poll
poll1902
survey1927
opinionnaire1939
opinion poll1939
opinion survey1939
Gallup poll1940
1937 Sociometry 1 i. ii. 155 (title) Public opinion polls.]
1939 C. W. Smith Public Opinion in Democracy 414 To the social scientist, opinion polls offer at least two other possibilities of usefulness.
1965 New Statesman 30 Apr. 670/3 The substantial pro-Labour swing indicated by the opinion polls.
1976 Times 27 Feb. 14/4 It is clear from opinion polls that the very large majority of people in Scotland wish to remain part of Britain.
2001 Financial Times 27 Jan. 6/8 Opinion polls published yesterday confirmed Mr Sharon showed no sign of losing his 18 percentage point margin over Mr Barak.
opinion polling n. the compiling of opinion polls.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > expression of choice by some approved method > [noun] > opinion poll > conducting
polling1937
opinion polling1941
poll-taking1945
1941 Amer. Jrnl. Sociol. 47 463 The organization known as ‘War-Time Social Survey’, which resembles American opinion-polling organizations.
1982 A. Brinkley Voices of Protest Pref. p. x Both movements existed in an era before modern opinion-polling.
2001 Times 12 Sept. (Terror in Amer. Suppl.) 14/3 Khalil Shikaki, an expert on Palestinian politics..runs an opinion polling centre.
opinion pollster n. a person or organization engaged in compiling opinion polls.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > expression of choice by some approved method > [noun] > opinion poll > conducting > one who
poll-taker1898
pollster1939
opinion pollster1951
1951 M. McLuhan Mech. Bride 47/1 The cabdriver tends to be the opinion-pollster hero.
1977 News of World 17 Apr. 1/1 Its existence is unknown to two out of every three women in the country, according to opinion pollsters.
2002 Times (Nexis) 12 Nov. ii. 14 Opinion-pollsters found his popularity running at 80 per cent.
opinion survey n. = opinion poll n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > free will > choice or choosing > expression of choice by some approved method > [noun] > opinion poll
poll1902
survey1927
opinionnaire1939
opinion poll1939
opinion survey1939
Gallup poll1940
1939 G. Gallup Public Opinion in Democracy 12 If elections themselves do not impose clôture on debate, is it likely that opinion surveys will?
1958 New Statesman 23 Aug. 213/3 The first would entail many interviews with people by the well-tried opinion-survey methods.
2000 Amer. Heritage Nov. 58/1 Those experimental days of 50 and 60 years ago were the dinosaur era of scientific opinion surveys.
opinion trade n. the business of polling or expressing opinions.
ΚΠ
1787 J. Bentham Corr. 27 Aug. (1971) III. 560 The being seen to be ignorant..gives me not the least concern. I have no opinion-trade to spoil.
1808 J. Bentham Sc. Reform 23 On the part of the non-lawyer, conscious ignorance, thence consultation and advice (opinion-trade).
2001 Columbian (Vancouver, WA.) (Nexis) 9 Nov. c11 The great failing of the opinion trade, we assured one another, was its practitioners' proclivity for pontificating on the distant mystery.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
opinionv.
/əˈpɪnjən/, U.S. /əˈpɪnj(ə)n/ transitive. To hold or express an opinion; to hold as an opinion; to think, suppose, believe. Also with clause (esp. that-clause) as object.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > expressed belief, opinion > hold an opinion [verb (transitive)]
ween971
holda1300
believec1325
judgec1325
feelc1380
supposea1387
conceivea1425
take1429
opinea1475
thinkc1480
supponea1500
esteem1507
opinion1555
intend?1577
meditate1585
opinionate1599
opiniate1624
arbitrate1637
apprehend1639
state1671
calculate1805
consider1830
fink1888
1555 in J. Strype Eccl. Memorials (1721) III. App. xliii. 121 Whosoever they be..[they] may opinion with themselves that they be none of God's children.
1609 T. Heywood Troia Britanica To Twofold Rdrs. These indeed know no other meanes to have themselves opinioned in the ranke of understanders.
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica i. xi. 46 If any other opinion there are no antipodes. View more context for this quotation
1661 J. Glanvill Vanity of Dogmatizing 191 We opinion a more certain efficiency.
1825 J. Neal Brother Jonathan 136 It may be well for them, whose consciences are not so tender, I opinion, to notify such, as they may see their way clear so to do.
1839 F. Marryat Diary in Amer. II. 224 I opinion quite the contrary.
1933 Jrnl. Educ. Sociol. 6 532 The information and tools the elders of the group have opinioned it was necessary for the neophyte to have.
1977 Washington Post (Nexis) 31 Mar. 1 The doctor opinioned that my wound was self-inflicted.
2002 Pakistan Newswire (Nexis) 23 July The meeting strongly condemned the political administration..as they opinioned that these reforms would give an end to their un-checked powers.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
n.a1325
v.1555