Language Research

opinion · noun

/əˈpɪn.jən/Full view

opinion (OF PERSON)

B1 C a thought or belief about something or someone

Dictionary examples:

What's your opinion about/on this plan?

Some people always have strong opinions.

He didn't express/give an opinion on the matter.

Who, in your opinion, is the best player in the league?

Her opinion of Adam changed after he'd been so helpful at the wedding.

I want to get a second opinion on whether I need knee surgery.

Learner example:

I really enjoy shopping for clothes especial[l]y when I go shopping with my brother, because I sometimes ask him for his opinion. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Arabic)

opinion (OF GROUP)

B2 U the thoughts or beliefs that a group of people have

Dictionary examples:

The advertising campaign is intended to influence public opinion.

There is a wide range of opinion on the issue.

We have a difference of opinion among the committee members.

Opinion is divided as to whether the treatment actually works.

Both performances were excellent, it's simply a matter of opinion as to whose was better.

Learner example:

I would like to add that when it comes to public opinion there is a great variety of different points of view - that is why this article, which asserts that "performers were second-rate'' seems to be unfair. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

have a high/low opinion of sb/sth

C1 to think that someone or something is good/bad

Dictionary example:

He has a low opinion of doctors.

Learner example:

He had a very high opinion of this particular course. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)

in my humble opinion

C2 used to give your opinion about something, often when you are sure you are right

Dictionary example:

In my humble opinion, that's the wrong decision.

Learner example:

In my humble opinion, there's no such thing as a uniform celebrity, good, bad or otherwise. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)