opinion

air (one's) opinion

To make one's argument, beliefs, or ideas on a given topic known, as in a discussion or debate. If you'll just allow me to air my opinion, you might understand where I stand on the matter.

contrary to popular opinion

Opposite to what is popularly or generally expected or believed. Usually used to introduce such a statement. Contrary to popular opinion, higher taxes end up benefiting people more than lower ones.

a horseback opinion

An opinion that is not well thought out (with the implication that one has not even taken the time to get off one's horse to give the issue more careful consideration). Now that I've learned more about the cheating scandal and had time to think about it all, I wish I could take back my initial horseback opinions.

matter of opinion

A topic that is subject to one's preferences. I know it's a matter of opinion, but I think that living in the city is more enjoyable than living in the suburbs.

See also: matter, of, opinion

as I see it

From my perspective. As I see it, we need to move by the end of the month, or else we'll lose money. I know you don't like Doug, but as I see it, he's a real asset to the team.

base (one's) opinion on

To found or root one's view of something or someone on a particular idea or occurrence. Unfortunately, I think she based her opinion of me entirely on one wild night out together. I'm basing my opinion on the facts, and nothing else.

be a matter of opinion

To be a topic that is subject to one's preferences, as opposed to a verifiable fact. I know it's a matter of opinion, but I think that living in the city is more enjoyable than living in the suburbs.

See also: matter, of, opinion

as I see it

and in my opinion; in my view

Fig. the way I think about it. Tom: This matter is not as bad as some would make it out to be. Alice: Yes. This whole affair has been overblown, as I see it. Bob: You're as wrong as can be. John: In my view, you are wrong.

base one's opinion on something

to make a judgment or form an opinion from something. You must not base your opinion on one bad experience. I base my opinion on many years of studying the problem.

form an opinion

to think up or decide on an opinion. (Note the variations in the examples.) I don't know enough about the issue to form an opinion. Don't tell me how to think! I can form my own opinion. I don't form opinions without careful consideration.

hazard an opinion

Fig. to give an opinion. Anne asked the attorney to hazard an opinion about the strength of her lawsuit. Don't feel like you have to hazard an opinion on something you know nothing about.

I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself.

Fig. I do not care about your opinion of this matter. Jane: This place is sort of drab. John: I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself. Bill: Your whole family is sort of loud. John: I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself.

in my humble opinion

Cliché a phrase introducing the speaker's opinion. "In my humble opinion," began Fred, arrogantly, "I have achieved what no one else ever could." Bob: What are we going to do about the poor condition of the house next door? Bill: In my humble opinion, we will mind our own business.

in one's opinion

according to one's belief or judgment. In my opinion, that is a very ugly picture. That isn't a good idea in my opinion.

keep one's opinions to (oneself)

to stop mentioning one's own opinions, especially when they disagree with someone else's. You ought to keep your opinions to yourself rather than upset our guests. Please keep your rude opinions to yourself!

Keep your opinions to yourself!

Fig. I do not want to hear your opinions! Jane: I think this room looks drab. Sue: Keep your opinions to yourself! I like it this way! Sally: You really ought to do something about your hair. It looks like it was in a hurricane. John: Keep your opinions to yourself. This is the latest style where I come from.

matter of opinion

the question of how good or bad someone or something is. It's a matter of opinion how strong the company is. John thinks it's great and Fred thinks it's poor.

See also: matter, of, opinion

difference of opinion

a disagreement My father and I had our differences of opinion about the war.

a matter of opinion

the particular belief that someone has about something Whether the situation has improved is not a matter of opinion - things are much worse than they were before.

See also: matter, of, opinion

contrary to popular belief/opinion

something that you say before you make a statement that is the opposite of what most people believe Contrary to popular belief, bottled water is not always better than tap water.

be a matter of opinion

1. if something is a matter of opinion, different people have different opinions about it I don't think there is a perfect way to teach a child to read - it's a matter of opinion, really.

2. if you say that something someone has just said is a matter of opinion, you mean that you do not agree 'She's a wonderful mother.' 'That's a matter of opinion.'

See also: matter, of, opinion

form an opinion

Make up one's mind or decide what one thinks about something. For example, I need more facts before I can form an opinion about this issue, or Don't tell me your views; I want to form my own opinion.

matter of opinion, a

A question on which people hold different views, as in I rather like that design, but really, it's a matter of opinion, or The quality of that new stock issue is a matter of opinion. This expression was first recorded in 1843.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Sharifa	-	Arabic
Serhat	-	Turkish
Tsukiko	tsoo-kee-ko	Japanese
Santos	SAHN-tos	Spanish
Pyrrhus	PIR-əs (English)	Greek Mythology (Latinized), Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Broos	BRO:S	Dutch, Limburgish