Opinion

Opinion O*pin"ion, n. [F., from L. opinio. See {Opine}.] 1. That which is opined; a notion or conviction founded on probable evidence; belief stronger than impression, less strong than positive knowledge; settled judgment in regard to any point of knowledge or action. [1913 Webster]

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 incertainty or doubting. --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster]

I can not put off my opinion so easily. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation. [1913 Webster]

I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Friendship . . . gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the good opinion of his friend. --South. [1913 Webster]

However, I have no opinion of those things. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]

3. Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Thou hast redeemed thy lost opinion. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

This gained Agricola much opinion, who . . . had made such early progress into laborious . . . enterprises. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

4. Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. (Law.) The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a counselor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted. [1913 Webster]

{To be of opinion}, to think; to judge.

{To hold opinion with}, to agree with. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Sentiment; notion; persuasion; idea; view; estimation. See {Sentiment}. [1913 Webster]