Opinion

Opinion - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

OPINION, n. opin'yon. [L. opinio, from opinor, to thing, Gr., L. suppono.]

1. The judgment which the mind forms of any proposition, statement, theory or event, the truth or falsehood of which is supported by a degree of evidence that renders it probably, but does not produce absolute knowledge or certainty. It has been a received opinion that all matter is comprised in four elements. This opinion is proved by many discoveries to be false. From circumstances we form opinions respecting future events.

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.

2. The judgment or sentiments which the mind forms of persons or their qualities. We speak of a good opinion, a favorable opinion, a bad opinion, a private opinion, and public or general opinion, _c.

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

3. Settled judgment or persuasion; as religious opinions; political opinion.

4. Favorable judgment; estimation.

In actions of arms, small matters are of great moment, especially when they serve to raise an opinion of commanders.

However, I have no opinion of these things -

OPIN'ION, v.t. To think. [Not used.]

o-pin'-yun (dea`, ce`ippim): "Opinion" occurs only 5 times, thrice in Job (32:6,10,17) as the translation of dea`, "knowledge," "opinion" (in the address of Elihu), and once of ce`ippim, from ca`aph, "to divide or branch out," hence, division or party, unsettled opinion (in the memorable appeal of Elijah, "How long halt ye between two opinions?" 1Ki 18:21, the American Standard Revised Version "How long go ye limping between the two sides?"). In Ecclesiasticus 3:24, we have, "For many are deceived by their own vain opinion" (hupolepsis, "a taking up," "a hasty judgment"), the Revised Version (British and American) The conceit of many hath led them astray.

W. L. Walker