Opinions
/əˈpɪn.jənz/noun
Beliefs or judgments formed about something, not necessarily based on fact.
Did you know?Opinion comes from Latin *opīniō*, a noun tied to *opīnārī* “to suppose, think,” and ancient writers used it for uncertain judgment long before it became a modern social weapon.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ep-
“A root meaning “to take, seize” that underlies Latin words for forming a mental grasp or belief.”
Latin
Latin
opīniō
“An idea, belief, judgment, or supposition.”
Latin
Latin
opīnārī
“To think, suppose, or form an opinion.”
Old French
OF
opinion
“A belief or judgment; also a public view or prevailing sentiment.”
Middle English
ME
opinion
“A belief, view, or estimation.”
Modern English
English
opinions
“Plural of opinion: beliefs or judgments held by individuals or groups.”