opinion

An opinion is a judgment or belief about a topic that reflects a person’s interpretation, values, or preferences rather than an objectively verifiable fact. Opinions are inherently subjective and can vary across individuals. They may be formed from personal experiences, emotions, cultural background, education, and exposure to information. Because they are not universally provable, opinions can change as people encounter new evidence or reconsider their assumptions.

Opinions can be personal, such as a preference for a particular artist, or public, such as the belief that a policy is beneficial. Professional or expert opinion refers to judgments offered by people with specialized knowledge, though such opinions depend on methods, criteria, and evidence relevant to the field. In journalism and media, opinions are often distinguished from facts; editorials and columns express viewpoints, while news reporting aims for neutrality.

Public opinion describes the collective preferences of a population and is commonly measured through polls and surveys. Opinions influence decisions in politics, business, and culture, and they can mobilize action or shape policy. However, opinion can also propagate misinformation if it is not supported by reliable evidence or if it relies on biases, stereotypes, or logical fallacies.

Critical thinking involves examining the reasoning behind opinions, evaluating the quality of supporting information, and recognizing potential biases. Distinguishing between what is believed and what can be demonstrated helps maintain constructive discourse. Opinions may be revised in light of new information, better arguments, or persuasive evidence.