An opinion is what you think or believe about something, based on your own judgment rather than on proven facts. When you say chocolate ice cream is better than vanilla, that's your opinion. When your friend insists that soccer is more exciting than basketball, that's their opinion. Neither of you is wrong because opinions are personal judgments that can differ from person to person.

Opinions stand apart from facts, which can be proven true or false. “The Earth orbits the Sun” is a fact. “Spring is the best season” is an opinion. You might have good reasons for your opinions (spring brings flowers and warmer weather), but someone else could reasonably disagree (preferring summer's long days or winter's snow).

Strong opinions come from thinking carefully about something and considering reasons and evidence. When you write an opinion essay in school, you state your position and then support it with reasons and evidence. Your opinion becomes more persuasive when you can explain why you think something and what led you to that conclusion.

People sometimes confuse having strong opinions with being closed-minded. Thoughtful people form opinions by considering different viewpoints and evidence, and they're willing to change their minds when they encounter better arguments or new information. The phrase “in my opinion” or “I think” signals that you're sharing your view while respecting that others might see things differently.