Belief vs. Opinion: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 15, 2023
Belief is a mental conviction or acceptance that something is true or exists, often without evidence. Opinion is a subjective judgment or evaluation about something, often based on personal views or experience.
Key Differences
Belief is a cognitive state in which an individual holds a proposition to be true. These can be foundational truths that may form the basis of a person's worldview, such as religious or moral principles. Opinion, on the other hand, is a subjective judgment or assessment of a particular issue or topic. While beliefs often serve as underlying principles that guide thought and behavior, opinions are more changeable and often pertain to specific circumstances or subjects.
In terms of grammatical roles, both belief and opinion function predominantly as nouns in American English. However, the word "belief" can also be employed as part of a verb phrase, as in "I believe in freedom," where "believe" is the verb form. Opinion doesn't have a corresponding verb form; instead, phrases like "in my opinion" or "I think" are used to express the concept.
Belief usually implies a higher degree of certainty and is often harder to change. It can exist without the need for rational justification, and in many cases, people maintain beliefs even in the face of contradictory evidence. Opinions are generally easier to alter, as they are based on an individual's current understanding and feelings toward an issue. They can also be substantiated by facts or persuasive arguments, making them more fluid than beliefs.
While both belief and opinion are personal and internal, they differ in how they relate to external validation. Beliefs often form part of a larger system, such as a religious or philosophical doctrine, and can be shared by a community of people. Opinions are individual assessments that may or may not align with a broader community view. They are more open to debate and less likely to form the foundation of organized groups or systems.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A mental conviction of truth
A subjective judgment or evaluation
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Grammatical Role
Primarily a noun
Primarily a noun
Degree of Certainty
Usually higher
Generally lower
Susceptibility to Change
Generally hard to change
Easier to change
Community Alignment
Often part of a larger system
Individual, may or may not align
Belief and Opinion Definitions
Belief
A religious faith or creed.
Christianity is her belief.
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Opinion
An evaluation or interpretation.
The critic's opinion was not favorable.
Belief
An acceptance that something exists or is true.
His belief in ghosts is unshakeable.
Opinion
A popular sentiment or collective view.
Public opinion is against the proposal.
Belief
An opinion that is held as true.
It's his belief that the earth is flat.
Opinion
A personal view or judgment.
In my opinion, the movie was great.
Belief
The mental act, condition, or habit of placing trust or confidence in another
My belief in you is as strong as ever.
Opinion
A belief not based on certainty.
It's just an opinion, not a fact.
Belief
Mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something
His explanation of what happened defies belief.
Opinion
A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof
"The world is not run by thought, nor by imagination, but by opinion" (Elizabeth Drew).
Belief
Something believed or accepted as true, especially a particular tenet or a body of tenets accepted by a group of persons.
Opinion
A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert
A medical opinion.
Belief
Mental acceptance of a claim as true.
It's my belief that the thief is somebody known to us.
Opinion
A judgment or estimation of the merit of a person or thing
Has a low opinion of braggarts.
Belief
Faith or trust in the reality of something; often based upon one's own reasoning, trust in a claim, desire of actuality, and/or evidence considered.
My belief is that there is a bear in the woods. Bill said he saw one.
Based on this data, it is our belief that X does not occur.
Opinion
The prevailing view
Public opinion.
Belief
(countable) Something believed.
The ancient people have a belief in many deities.
Opinion
A court's formal, usually written statement explaining its reasons for its decision in a case.
Belief
(uncountable) The quality or state of believing.
My belief that it will rain tomorrow is strong.
Opinion
An attorney's formal, usually written statement giving an assessment of how the law should be or is likely to be applied in a particular situation.
Belief
(uncountable) Religious faith.
She often said it was her belief that carried her through the hard times.
Opinion
A piece of testimony that is not usually admissible when given by a layperson, as in contrast to an opinion given by an expert witness.
Belief
(in the plural) One's religious or moral convictions.
I can't do that. It's against my beliefs.
Opinion
A belief, judgment or perspective that a person has formed, either through objective or subjective reasoning, about a topic, issue, person or thing.
I would like to know your opinions on the new filing system.
In my opinion, white chocolate is better than milk chocolate.
Every man is a fool in some man's opinion.
We invite you to state your opinions about the suggestions.
Belief
Assent to a proposition or affirmation, or the acceptance of a fact, opinion, or assertion as real or true, without immediate personal knowledge; reliance upon word or testimony; partial or full assurance without positive knowledge or absolute certainty; persuasion; conviction; confidence; as, belief of a witness; the belief of our senses.
Belief admits of all degrees, from the slightest suspicion to the fullest assurance.
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
Belief
A persuasion of the truths of religion; faith.
No man can attain [to] belief by the bare contemplation of heaven and earth.
Opinion
(obsolete) Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Belief
The thing believed; the object of belief.
Superstitious prophecies are not only the belief of fools, but the talk sometimes of wise men.
Opinion
(obsolete) Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Belief
A tenet, or the body of tenets, held by the advocates of any class of views; doctrine; creed.
In the heat of persecution to which Christian belief was subject upon its first promulgation.
Opinion
The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a doctor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted.
Belief
Any cognitive content held as true
Opinion
(European Union law) a judicial opinion delivered by an Advocate General to the European Court of Justice where he or she proposes a legal solution to the cases for which the court is responsible
Belief
A vague idea in which some confidence is placed;
His impression of her was favorable
What are your feelings about the crisis?
It strengthened my belief in his sincerity
I had a feeling that she was lying
Opinion
To have or express as an opinion.
Belief
A firm conviction.
She has a strong belief in justice.
Opinion
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 incertainty or doubting.
I can not put off my opinion so easily.
Belief
A mental attitude of trust or confidence.
The child's belief in her parents is touching.
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people.
Friendship . . . gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the good opinion of his friend.
However, I have no opinion of those things.
Opinion
Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Thou hast redeemed thy lost opinion.
This gained Agricola much opinion, who . . . had made such early progress into laborious . . . enterprises.
Opinion
Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Opinion
The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a counselor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted.
Opinion
To opine.
Opinion
A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty;
My opinion differs from yours
What are your thoughts on Haiti?
Opinion
A belief or sentiment shared by most people; the voice of the people;
He asked for a poll of public opinion
Opinion
A message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof;
His opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page
Opinion
The legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision;
Opinions are usually written by a single judge
Opinion
The reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)
Opinion
A vague idea in which some confidence is placed;
His impression of her was favorable
What are your feelings about the crisis?
It strengthened my belief in his sincerity
I had a feeling that she was lying
Opinion
An expert view on a subject.
The doctor gave her medical opinion.
FAQs
What is Belief?
Belief is a mental conviction or acceptance that something is true or exists.
How do Belief and Opinion differ?
Belief usually involves a higher degree of certainty, while opinion is more changeable.
Can Beliefs be changed easily?
Generally, beliefs are harder to change compared to opinions.
Can Belief and Opinion overlap?
Yes, an opinion can be a type of belief, but not all beliefs are opinions.
Is Opinion always based on facts?
No, opinions can be based on personal feelings and not necessarily on facts.
Is Opinion a noun?
Yes, opinion is mainly used as a noun in American English.
Do communities share Beliefs?
Often, beliefs form part of a religious, cultural, or philosophical system shared by a community.
What is Opinion?
Opinion is a subjective judgment or evaluation based on personal views.
Is Belief a noun?
Yes, belief functions primarily as a noun in American English.
Do Beliefs require evidence?
Not necessarily; beliefs can exist without rational justification.
Are Opinions subjective?
Yes, opinions are subjective and can differ from person to person.
What's the verb form of Belief?
"Believe" is the verb form related to belief.
Does Opinion have a verb form?
No, opinion doesn't have a direct verb form; phrases like "I think" are used instead.
Are Opinions individual or collective?
Opinions can be individual or form part of a collective sentiment.
Can Opinions be expert views?
Yes, opinions can be expert evaluations in specific fields.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
