Opine
/əˈpaɪn/
verbC1
Definition
Opine means to express your thoughts or beliefs about a topic. It is usually used when people share their ideas in a clear or formal way, often in writing or speech. It is similar to saying "I think" or "I believe."
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See It in Action
To express an opinion or belief
- •The expert opined that the new law would help the economy.
- •She opined that the movie was too long but well acted.
- •During the meeting, several members opined on the best way to solve the problem.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "opine" like "say" or "think," but more formal and careful, like giving your idea politely or seriously
- ✓Imagine someone raising their hand in a meeting to share their thoughtful opinion with others
- ✓It’s the feeling when you want to share your idea but in a respectful and clear way, not just quickly or casually
- ✓Sounds like "oh-PINE" → imagine a pine tree standing tall, sharing its strong, clear voice in the forest
- ✓Think of a judge or teacher carefully saying what they believe after thinking a lot
- ✓NOT like "shout" (loud and emotional), "opine" is calm and measured speech
- ✓NOT like "guess" (without much thought), "opine" shows a considered idea or opinion
Try Other Words
- •Express: to show or say your feelings or thoughts (Use when you want a general word for sharing ideas)
- •State: to say something clearly and officially (Use when the opinion is given in a formal or official way)
- •Suggest: to put forward an idea or opinion for others to think about (Use when the opinion is more like a proposal or idea)
- •Think: to have an opinion or belief (Use when talking about personal thoughts that may not be shared out loud)
Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: "op-" (from Latin "opinari" meaning to think) + "-ine" (verb ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "opinari," meaning to think or suppose
- •Historical development: Entered English in the early 1600s meaning to give an opinion or belief
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal writing or speech when people share their views carefully or politely
Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to opine carefully rather than just say what you think quickly?
•How does using a word like "opine" change the way people listen to your opinion?
Fill in the blanks
1.The lawyer opined that the contract ___ valid under the new law.
2.When asked about the project, she opined ___ it needed more time and money.
3.Unlike shouting, to opine means to share your thoughts ___ and politely.
4.Experts often opine ___ public policies before they are changed.
5.You might opine in a meeting, but you usually ___ your thoughts in casual talks.
6.The editor opined that the article ___ rewritten to be clearer.
7.People opine ___ different topics, but not everyone agrees on the same ideas.