Attitude vs. Opinion — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 29, 2024
Attitude reflects a person's feelings and disposition towards something, while an opinion is a belief or judgment about it.
Difference Between Attitude and Opinion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Attitude encompasses an individual's overall feeling or disposition towards people, objects, events, or ideas. It is shaped by experiences, beliefs, and values, influencing behavior and perception in a consistent manner. Attitudes are not always expressed openly but are evident through actions or emotional responses. On the other hand, an opinion is a more explicit expression of belief, judgment, or evaluation about something. Opinions are formed through thought and reflection and can be communicated as statements or arguments, reflecting a person's stance or viewpoint on a particular topic.
While attitudes are enduring and can deeply influence an individual's choices and actions, opinions may change more readily with new information or perspectives. For instance, someone might have a positive attitude towards environmental conservation due to underlying values of respect for nature. This attitude could manifest in behaviors such as recycling or supporting green initiatives. Whereas, their opinion on a specific environmental policy might evolve as they learn more about its implications or effectiveness.
Attitudes often underpin opinions, providing the emotional and psychological foundation from which opinions are formed. A person's attitude towards health, for example, can shape their opinions on diet, exercise, and healthcare policies. Conversely, expressing and discussing opinions can also refine or shift one's attitudes, especially in light of compelling arguments or evidence.
The distinction between attitude and opinion is crucial in understanding human behavior and communication. Attitudes relate to the predisposed ways in which individuals react to or perceive the world around them, often on an emotional or subconscious level. In contrast, opinions are the articulation of one's thoughts and beliefs, usually shaped by reasoning, information, and discourse.
In social contexts, recognizing the difference between attitude and opinion is important for effective communication and persuasion. While opinions can be debated and discussed directly, changing an attitude might require a more nuanced approach, appealing to emotions, values, and beliefs. This differentiation is particularly significant in areas such as marketing, politics, and education, where understanding the nuances of human behavior is key to influencing decisions and viewpoints.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Emotional and psychological disposition towards something.
A belief or judgment formed about something.
Formation
Shaped by experiences, beliefs, and values.
Formed through thought, reflection, and information.
Expression
Manifested in behaviors and emotional responses.
Communicated as statements or arguments.
Changeability
More enduring, changes over longer periods.
Can change with new information or perspectives.
Underlying Influence
Can underpin opinions, providing emotional foundation.
Can be influenced by underlying attitudes.
Compare with Definitions
Attitude
A predisposition to respond favorably or unfavorably to something.
Her positive attitude towards work inspires her colleagues.
Opinion
A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof.
In my opinion, early education is crucial for development.
Attitude
Reflects a tendency to like or dislike things.
Her love for animals reflects a compassionate attitude.
Opinion
An evaluation or judgment based on information or experience.
Her opinion on the matter was respected due to her expertise.
Attitude
An enduring organization of motivational, emotional, and perceptual processes.
His attitude of perseverance helped him overcome challenges.
Opinion
Subject to change upon receiving new information.
His opinion changed after reading the latest research findings.
Attitude
Can be positive, negative, or neutral.
He has a neutral attitude towards modern art.
Opinion
Can be personal or public, varying in levels of conviction.
Public opinion on climate change has shifted significantly.
Attitude
Affects perception and behavior.
Their environmental attitude influences their lifestyle choices.
Opinion
Influenced by individual perception, culture, and knowledge.
Opinions on dietary choices vary widely across cultures.
Attitude
A settled way of thinking or feeling about something
He was questioned on his attitude to South Africa
Being competitive is an attitude of mind
Opinion
An opinion is a judgement, viewpoint, or statement that is not conclusive, rather than facts, which are true statements.
Attitude
Truculent or uncooperative behaviour
I asked the waiter for a clean fork and all I got was attitude
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).
Attitude
The orientation of an aircraft or spacecraft, relative to the direction of travel.
Opinion
A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert
A medical opinion.
Attitude
A manner of thinking, feeling, or behaving that reflects a state of mind or disposition
Has a positive attitude about work.
Kept a dignified attitude throughout the crisis.
Opinion
A judgment or estimation of the merit of a person or thing
Has a low opinion of braggarts.
Attitude
Arrogant or aggressive disposition or behavior
One customer with a lot of attitude really tried my patience.
Opinion
The prevailing view
Public opinion.
Attitude
A position of the body or manner of carrying oneself
Stood in a graceful attitude.
Opinion
A court's formal, usually written statement explaining its reasons for its decision in a case.
Attitude
A position similar to an arabesque in which a ballet dancer stands on one leg with the other raised either in front or in back and bent at the knee.
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.
Attitude
The orientation of an aircraft's axes relative to a reference line or plane, such as the horizon.
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.
Attitude
The orientation of a spacecraft relative to its direction of motion.
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.
Attitude
The position of the body or way of carrying oneself.
The ballet dancer walked with a graceful attitude.
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
Attitude
(figurative) Disposition or state of mind.
Don't give me your negative attitude.
You've got a nice attitude today.
Opinion
(obsolete) Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Attitude
Unpleasant behavior.
He doesn't take attitude from anybody.
I asked the waiter for a clean fork and all I got was attitude.
Opinion
(obsolete) Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Attitude
The orientation of a vehicle or other object relative to the horizon, direction of motion, other objects, etc.
The airliner had to land with a nose-up attitude after the incident.
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.
Attitude
(ballet) A position similar to arabesque, but with the raised leg bent at the knee.
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
Attitude
To assume or to place in a particular position or orientation; to pose.
Opinion
To have or express as an opinion.
Attitude
To express an attitude through one's posture, bearing, tone of voice, etc.
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.
Attitude
The posture, action, or disposition of a figure or a statue.
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.
Attitude
The posture or position of a person or an animal, or the manner in which the parts of his body are disposed; position assumed or studied to serve a purpose; as, a threatening attitude; an attitude of entreaty.
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.
Attitude
Fig.: Position as indicating action, feeling, or mood; as, in times of trouble let a nation preserve a firm attitude; one's mental attitude in respect to religion.
The attitude of the country was rapidly changing.
'T is business of a painter in his choice of attitudes (posituræ) to foresee the effect and harmony of the lights and shadows.
Never to keep the body in the same posture half an hour at a time.
Opinion
Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Attitude
A complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways;
He had the attitude that work was fun
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.
Attitude
Position or arrangement of the body and its limbs;
He assumed an attitude of surrender
Opinion
To opine.
Attitude
A theatrical pose created for effect;
The actor struck just the right attitude
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?
Attitude
Position of aircraft or spacecraft relative to a frame of reference (the horizon or direction of motion)
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
Common Curiosities
Why do opinions change more easily than attitudes?
Opinions are based on current information and reasoning, making them more susceptible to change with new insights, unlike the deeper emotional base of attitudes.
How can understanding attitudes and opinions benefit communication?
Recognizing the difference can aid in effective persuasion and communication, as addressing deep-seated attitudes often requires a different approach than changing opinions.
Can opinions influence attitudes?
Yes, expressing and discussing opinions can refine or shift one's attitudes, especially with compelling evidence or arguments.
How are attitudes formed?
Attitudes are formed through experiences, beliefs, and values, and they influence behavior and perception consistently.
What is the main difference between attitude and opinion?
The main difference lies in attitudes being emotional dispositions towards something, whereas opinions are specific beliefs or judgments about it.
What role do attitudes play in shaping opinions?
Attitudes provide the emotional and psychological foundation from which opinions are formed, influencing one's viewpoint on various topics.
What influences the formation of an opinion?
Opinions are influenced by factors such as information, personal experience, cognitive biases, cultural background, and social influences.
How can attitudes and opinions be measured?
Through surveys, polls, and psychological tests that assess emotional responses, beliefs, and stated judgments.
Is it possible to have an attitude without having an opinion?
Yes, one can have a general disposition or feeling towards something without forming a specific belief or judgment about it.
Do attitudes always lead to corresponding behaviors?
While attitudes significantly influence behavior, various factors, including social norms and practical constraints, can affect this relationship.
Are attitudes more important than opinions in predicting behavior?
Attitudes, being deeper and more emotionally rooted, are generally better predictors of behavior than opinions, which are more subject to change.
Can someone's attitude towards a topic be changed?
Yes, attitudes can be changed, but it often requires a deep engagement with the individual's values, emotions, and beliefs, and may take considerable time.
What impact do social media have on attitudes and opinions?
Social media can significantly influence attitudes and opinions by shaping perceptions, exposing individuals to new information, and facilitating social endorsement or opposition.
How do attitudes and opinions relate to bias?
Both can be affected by biases, with attitudes reflecting an emotional bias towards something and opinions possibly being based on biased information or thinking.
How can one effectively change another's opinion?
Changing someone's opinion often involves presenting compelling, credible information and arguments, engaging empathetically, and sometimes addressing the underlying attitudes.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
