Etymology Map
Back to all words

Opinion

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a view formed about something

Where does the word "opinion" come from? It comes from Latin opinio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
opinio
Latin · ancient
"belief, supposition"
from 'opinari', to think
2
Stage 2 of 3
opinion
Old French · medieval
"opinion"
a view held
3
Stage 3 of 3
opinion
English · 1200s
"belief"
'opinion poll' dates from the 1920s
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Opinion’s story begins in Latin: opinio meant “belief, supposition.” From 'opinari', to think. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as opinion. A view held. It reached English by 1200s as opinion. 'opinion poll' dates from the 1920s. Today, opinion means a view formed about something.