Opine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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opine

[ษ™หˆpสŒษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

expressing a view

To opine means to express an opinion or belief about something. It is a formal or literary way of saying 'to express one's thoughts'. Opining often involves giving one's viewpoint on a particular topic or issue.

Synonyms

assert, declare, express, state.

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Word Description / Examples
opine

Used when someone is giving their personal opinion, often in a formal or somewhat thoughtful manner.

  • She opined that the new policy would benefit the community
  • He often opines on political matters
express

Used in general situations when someone is conveying their thoughts, feelings, or ideas, without any particular formality or forcefulness.

  • She expressed her happiness with a smile
  • He expressed his concerns about the meeting
state

Used in situations where someone is giving information or facts in a clear and definite way, often in a formal or official context.

  • The report states that the company's profits have increased
  • He stated his position on the issue clearly
assert

Used when someone is stating something confidently and forcefully, often in a situation where they want to make a strong point or express authority.

  • He asserted his innocence during the trial
  • They asserted that their product was the best on the market
declare

Used when someone is making an official or public statement, often with a sense of announcement or formal declaration.

  • The government declared a state of emergency
  • She declared her candidacy for mayor

Examples of usage

  • I opine that the new policy will have negative consequences.
  • She opined that the movie was a masterpiece.
  • Many experts opine that climate change is a pressing issue.
  • He is known for opining on various political matters.
  • Opining without proper knowledge can be misleading.
Context #2 | Noun

a view or opinion

As a noun, an opine refers to a view, belief, or opinion held by someone. It can also refer to the act of opining or expressing one's thoughts on a subject.

Synonyms

belief, opinion, perspective, view.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opine

Used in formal writing or speech to express a stated opinion based on personal judgment.

  • Experts opine that global temperatures are rising.
  • She opined that the policy would benefit small businesses.
view

Used to communicate a personal angle or interpretation of a situation; can also imply a considered opinion.

  • Her view on the matter is quite different from mine.
  • He presented a balanced view of the issue.
opinion

Used to express a personal viewpoint, which can be subjective and may not be based on factual evidence.

  • In my opinion, the movie was too long.
  • Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
belief

Used to express a deeply held conviction or acceptance that something is true, often without empirical evidence.

  • His belief in justice kept him going.
  • They have a strong belief in the benefits of meditation.
perspective

Used to denote a particular attitude or way of viewing something; it often implies a broader or more comprehensive viewpoint.

  • Trying to see things from her perspective helped resolve the argument.
  • From a historical perspective, the results were predictable.

Examples of usage

  • His opine on the matter was well-received.
  • The student's opine added a fresh perspective to the discussion.
  • She shared her opine on the latest developments in the industry.
  • The opine of the expert shed light on the issue.
  • Opines from different stakeholders were taken into consideration.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers often use the act of opining to develop charactersโ€™ voices, revealing their beliefs and values.
  • In classic novels, characters sharing their opinions can drive the plot by causing conflicts or resolutions.
  • Famous authors like Mark Twain and Jane Austen used characters' opinions to critique society, influencing public thought.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers explore the nature of opinion versus knowledge, often discussing when a belief is justified.
  • The concept of 'opinion' plays a crucial role in debates about freedom of expression and individual rights.
  • In ethical discussions, distinguishing opinions from facts is fundamental, impacting moral judgments.

Media & Communication

  • In today's digital age, social media platforms have amplified the act of opining, allowing everyone to share their thoughts widely.
  • Opinion pieces in newspapers and magazines are a common way for writers to influence public discourse.
  • Public speakers and leaders often opine on issues to rally support or inspire action among audiences.

Psychology

  • Sharing opinions can reflect personal identity and values, contributing to one's sense of self.
  • Research shows that group dynamics can influence how people express their opinions, sometimes leading to conformity.
  • Expressing opinions can affect interpersonal relationships, shaping perceptions and interactions among individuals.

Origin of 'opine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'opinari', which means 'to think' or 'to believe'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century, showing the long history of expressing opinions.
  • Related words in English, like 'opinion' and 'opinionated', all share this Latin root, connecting them in meaning.

The word 'opine' originated from the Latin word 'opinari', which means 'to think or believe'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century and has been used to express viewpoints and opinions ever since. Over time, 'opine' has become a formal and elegant way to convey one's thoughts on various matters.


See also: opinion.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,318 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.