Opinion

(o-pĭn'yun), n. [Lat. opinio, Fr. & Sp. opinion, Pr. opinio, It. opinione, oppinione. See OPINE.]

1Sense 1. That which is opined; a mental conviction of the truth of some statement founded on a low degree of probable evidence; belief stronger than impression, less strong than positive knowledge; settled judgment in regard to any point of knowledge or action.

Opinion is when the assent of the understanding is so far gained by evidence of probability, that it rather inclines to one persuasion than to another, yet not without a mixture of uncertainty or doubting. Hale.

2Sense 2. The judgment or sentiments which the mind forms of persons or their qualities; estimation; especially, favorable judgment; good esteem. “I have bought golden opinions.” Shak.

Friendship gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the good opinion of his friend. South.

However, I have no opinion of these things. Bacon.

3Sense 3. Honor; reputation; fame. [Obs.]

This gained Agricola much opinion, who, at his very entrance, . . . had made such progress into laborious enterprises. Milton.

4Sense 4. Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impressions; opiniativeness. [Obs.]

5Sense 5. Sentence; judgment; censure. [Rare.]

6Sense 6. (Law.) The formal decision of a judge, an umpire, a counselor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a difficulty or dispute.

To hold opinion with, to agree with. [Obs.] “Thou almost makest me waver in my faith, to hold opinion with Pythagoras.” Shak.

Synonyms— Sentiment; notion; persuasion; idea; view; estimation. See SENTIMENT.