opine

American  

[oh-pahyn] / oʊˈpaɪn /

verb (used with or without object)

opined, opining

1. to hold or express an opinion.

   Synonyms:

   imagine, guess, allow, suggest, say

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opine British  

/ əʊˈpaɪn /

verb

1. (when tr, usually takes a clause as object) to hold or express an opinion

   he opined that it was all a sad mistake

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Etymology

Origin of opine

First recorded in 1575–85; is from Latin opīnārī “to think, deem”

Explanation

The verb opine is used when someone speaks up and expresses an opinion. You might opine that dogs are highly preferable to cats. Whenever you have something to say about a subject, you have the option to opine about it or keep your mouth shut. Movie critics opine about the best films of the year, and kindergarten kids opine that they'd rather not take a nap. Opine can also describe what you suppose will happen, like when you opine that school lunches will improve because of the new cook. The Latin opinari, or have an opinion, is the root of opine.

Example Sentences

We leave it to others to opine on whether the current split is optimal.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

But the court didn’t explain those orders or opine on the broader legal issues involved.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Often we debated two very different topics on the same day - meaning someone who'd turned up to talk about politics might also be able to opine on religion.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

“While we cannot opine on the ultimate shape of the software industry, we believe the chip industry has been and will continue to be positively levered to the AI buildout,” Arya said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026

Young aspirants sometimes inwardly opine, that their living ancestors take up too much room.

From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by School, A Sexton of the Old

Related Words

• surmise