public opinion

noun

1. the collective opinion of many people on some issue, problem, etc., especially as a guide to action, decision, or the like.

public opinion

noun

1. the attitude of the public, esp as a factor in determining the actions of government

Word History and Origins

Origin of public opinion¹

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

On a recent Thursday morning, public opinion appeared split among passersby at the Metro station and adjacent bus stop.

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And the deal “will boost him,” said Dahlia Scheindlin, a public opinion researcher in Israel.

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The reason: “Movements employ an army of activists, organizers, advocates, lawyers, public opinion researchers, ‘message strategists,’ political consultants, and—first and foremost—fund-raisers.”

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Israeli public opinion is also largely supportive of a hostage deal.

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The government has slammed these as attempts to "manipulate public opinion" and "produce skewed results".

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