Definition
Opinionated means having a strong and rigid belief or view, and being unwilling to change it even in the face of contrary evidence or different perspectives.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective.
Synonyms
dogmatic, stubborn, inflexible, adamantine, bullheaded, pigheaded, mulish, uncompromising, rigid, set in one’s ways.
Antonyms
Open-minded, flexible, receptive, amenable, pliable, affable, compliant, humble, agreeable, accepting.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | None |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | opinionated |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
-
John is quite opinionated, and he rarely considers other people’s perspectives before making a decision.
-
Mary’s professor was so opinionated that he refused to entertain any argument that wasn’t in line with his already established ideas.
-
I don’t want to appear opinionated, but I strongly believe that we should follow this direction to achieve our goals.
-
The CEO of the company is very opinionated, and it is tough to get him to change his viewpoint even if it’s evident that his decision may have adverse implications.
Usage
Opinionated is an adjective used to describe someone who is uncompromising in their beliefs, refusing even to consider alternative viewpoints. It often has a negative connotation, implying that the person is dogmatic and stubborn, unwilling to be open-minded, and inflexible.
The word opinionated has its roots in the Latin words opinari, meaning “to think,” and -ate, indicating an action or a state of being. The word has no significant prefix or suffix variations.
The term “opinionated” is commonly employed in writing and in verbal communication. It is an effective way to describe people who hold strong beliefs and maintain them even in the face of contrary evidence or other viewpoints. An example of these situations is when two people have different opinions on a particular topic. One person may be open-minded and willing to consider the other’s perspective, while the other may be opinionated and refuse even to acknowledge that there could be more than one potential viewpoint.
It’s worth noting that having an opinion is not necessarily a bad thing. People can have deeply held convictions that align with their values and principles, which they stick to. Nonetheless, when people refuse to be open to other ideas and are unwilling to compromise, it can stifle progress and impede collaboration.
In conclusion, the usage of the word opinionated highlights the importance of open-mindedness and the need to be receptive to alternative viewpoints, especially in discussions and debates. Being opinionated can be negative, but it can also be positive if it fosters healthy discussions, debate, and respectful disagreements.