opine
Americanverb (used with or without object)
verb
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.
Vocabulary lists containing opine
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Eats, Shoots & Leaves
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This Week In Words: Current Events Vocab for September 26–October 2, 2020
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to opine on the due process question.
From Slate • May 16, 2025
What may be the issue of this intention one need not opine.
From In the Yellow Sea by Frith, Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
