Webster's 1828 Dictionary: Opinion - 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.
Encyclopedia Britannica 1911: Opinion - 1. A term used loosely in ordinary speech for an idea or an explanation of facts which is regarded as being based on evidence which is good but not conclusive.
Webster's 1913 Dictionary: Opinion - 1. That which is opined; a notion or conviction founded on probable evidence; belief stronger than impression, less strong than positive knowledge; settled judgment in regard to any point of knowledge or action.
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.
Webster's 2000 Dictionary: Opinion - 1. A view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter or particular matters
2. Belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge : settled judgment in regard to any point : a notion or conviction founded on probable evidence : a belief or view based on interpretation of observed facts and experience.
Webster's 2004 Dictionary: Opinion - 1. A view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.
2. Belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge.
