opinion

An opinion is a personal belief about a situation or an idea. The quality or strength of an opinion is dependent on the person who gives it.

Here are some different ways that people ask for opinions:

• I’d like you to give me your opinion on something.
• Do you have an opinion on this subject?
• What’s your opinion?
• Would you mind sharing your opinion?

Notice that certain verbs are used with the word "opinion": give, form, have, and share.

• I have an opinion on that.
• I have no opinion.
• Let me share my opinion.
• It’s taken some time to form an opinion on this.
• My friend, Gary, is always giving his opinion.
• People are sometimes hesitant to give their opinions.
• It’s okay to give voice to your opinions in class.

The word "opinionated" is an adjective. An opinionated person loves his or her opinions so much that it can result in conflict with other people who don’t care to listen to the opinions given:

• Dexter is so opinionated. He refuses to listen to the opinions of people who disagree with him.
• It’s hard to have a conversation with my neighbor because he’s so opinionated.
• Don’t be so opinionated. Try to consider this issue with an open mind.

Date of publication: November 18, 2016