Definition of: opinion

(ə·pin′yən) noun
1. A conclusion or judgment held with confidence, but falling short of positive knowledge.
2. Often plural A settled judgment or conviction on some subject, as religion or politics.
3. Favorable judgment or estimation; reputation.
4. Specifically, an estimate of the excellence or value of a person or a thing; also, a common or prevailing sentiment; public opinion.
5. Law The formal announcement of the conclusions of a court in a case before it; also, the conclusion of an attorney touching the merits of a submitted case: to take the opinion of counsel. [<OF <L opinio, -onis <opinari think] Synonyms: belief, conviction, decision, determination, doctrine, estimate, idea, impression, judgment, notion, persuasion, sentiment, view. An opinion is a general conclusion held as probable, but without full certainty; a conviction is sustained by such evidence as removes all doubt from the believer's mind; a persuasion is a confident opinion, involving the heart as well as the intellect. In religion, a doctrine is a statement of belief regarding a single point; a creed is a summary statement of doctrines. Such a system of doctrines is often called a faith; as, the Anglican or Lutheran faith. Compare BELIEF, FAITH, IDEA, THOUGHT¹.