Opinion vs. Advice — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 21, 2024
Opinion is a personal view or judgment not necessarily based on fact or knowledge, while advice involves guidance or recommendations on prudent future action, often based on knowledge and experience.
Difference Between Opinion and Advice
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An opinion reflects an individual's thoughts, feelings, or preferences about a subject, without the requirement of it being grounded in facts or thorough knowledge. Advice, on the other hand, is given with the intention of guiding someone's actions or decisions, typically drawing on the adviser's knowledge, experience, or expertise in a particular area.
While opinions are subjective and can vary widely from person to person, advice aims to be more objective, offering a course of action that is considered beneficial for the recipient. For instance, someone might express the opinion that classical music is superior to other genres, which is a matter of personal taste, whereas they might advise a friend to start with Mozart if they're new to classical music, based on the friend’s preferences and the adviser's understanding of the genre.
Opinions often serve as a basis for discussion or debate, allowing individuals to share and contrast their personal views. Advice, however, is typically offered in response to a request for help or guidance, with the expectation that it might be acted upon to achieve a specific outcome or solve a problem.
The value of an opinion is largely dependent on the perspective and experiences of the person expressing it, and it does not inherently carry an obligation for action. In contrast, advice is valued based on the adviser’s expertise and the appropriateness of the suggested action to the recipient's situation, often implying a recommended or suggested action.
Receiving opinions can be informative or enlightening, as they expose one to diverse viewpoints, enhancing understanding and empathy. Receiving advice, however, can be instrumental in making decisions, solving problems, or improving one’s circumstances, especially when it comes from a trusted and knowledgeable source.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Personal view or judgment.
Guidance or recommendations for future action.
Basis
Personal beliefs, feelings, experiences.
Knowledge, expertise, and experience.
Objective
To express a viewpoint or preference.
To guide or influence actions or decisions.
Subjectivity
Highly subjective.
Aims to be objective, based on beneficial outcomes.
Action Implication
No inherent obligation for action.
Often implies a recommended course of action.
Compare with Definitions
Opinion
Varies Widely.
Opinions on the new policy varied widely across the department.
Advice
Action-Oriented.
His advice to start networking early in one's career is well-regarded.
Opinion
Based on Preference.
Her opinion that Italian cuisine is the finest is influenced by her personal tastes.
Advice
Objective Basis.
Based on the current market trends, his advice was to diversify the investment portfolio.
Opinion
Personal Viewpoint.
In my opinion, summer is the best season for outdoor activities.
Advice
Based on Expertise.
She sought advice from a financial advisor to optimize her investments.
Opinion
Discussion Starter.
Their differing opinions on the book sparked a lively discussion.
Advice
Guidance Offered.
The mentor's advice on career progression was invaluable to the graduate.
Opinion
Subjective Nature.
His opinion on the matter reflects his unique experiences and values.
Advice
Problem-Solving.
The counselor provided advice on coping strategies for stress management.
Opinion
An opinion is a judgement, viewpoint, or statement that is not conclusive, rather than facts, which are true statements.
Advice
Opinion about what could or should be done about a situation or problem; counsel.
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).
Advice
Often advices Information communicated; news
Advices from an ambassador.
Opinion
A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert
A medical opinion.
Advice
(uncountable) An opinion offered to guide behavior in an effort to be helpful.
She was offered various pieces of advice on what to do with her new-found wealth.
On the advice of her doctor, Mary cut down on her carbohydrates.
I have some useful advice to give you.
Sushil never took the advice of his parents, but still became rich.
Opinion
A judgment or estimation of the merit of a person or thing
Has a low opinion of braggarts.
Advice
Deliberate consideration; knowledge.
Opinion
The prevailing view
Public opinion.
Advice
Information or news given; intelligence
Late advices from France
Opinion
A court's formal, usually written statement explaining its reasons for its decision in a case.
Advice
(countable) In language about financial transactions executed by formal documents, an advisory document.
An advice of an incoming settlement payment order may be given to an off-line receiving bank.
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.
Advice
(uncountable) In commercial language, information communicated by letter; used chiefly in reference to drafts or bills of exchange
A letter of advice
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.
Advice
A communication providing information, such as how an uncertain area of law might apply to possible future actions
An advice issued by a Monitoring Committee could be applicable in a Dutch court
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.
Advice
Counseling to perform a specific legal act.
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
Advice
Counseling to perform a specific illegal act.
Opinion
(obsolete) Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Advice
In aspect-oriented programming, the code whose execution is triggered when a join point is reached.
Opinion
(obsolete) Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Advice
An opinion recommended or offered, as worthy to be followed; counsel.
We may give advice, but we can not give conduct.
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.
Advice
Deliberate consideration; knowledge.
How shall I dote on her with more advice,That thus without advice begin to love her?
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
Advice
Information or notice given; intelligence; as, late advices from France; - commonly in the plural.
Opinion
To have or express as an opinion.
Advice
Counseling to perform a specific illegal act.
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.
Advice
A proposal for an appropriate course of action
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
Common Curiosities
Can an opinion be considered advice?
While an opinion can influence decision-making, it is not advice unless it includes specific recommendations for future actions.
How do opinions and advice differ?
Opinions are personal views that may not be based on facts, while advice is guidance intended to influence decisions or actions.
What constitutes advice?
Advice consists of suggestions or recommendations given to someone about what they should do, often based on knowledge and experience.
Is advice always based on expertise?
Ideally, advice should be based on expertise or experience, though it's not always the case.
How do cultural perspectives influence opinions and advice?
Cultural backgrounds can significantly shape what individuals believe or suggest, reflecting diverse values and experiences.
What is an opinion?
An opinion is a personal belief or judgment about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
Why is it important to distinguish between opinion and advice?
Distinguishing between them helps in understanding whether a statement is a personal viewpoint or guidance meant to direct actions.
How should one handle unsolicited advice or opinions?
Both should be considered thoughtfully, but it's important to critically assess the relevance and intent behind unsolicited advice or opinions.
Can professionals provide both opinions and advice?
Yes, professionals often provide opinions based on personal experiences and advice grounded in their area of expertise.
Why might someone prefer an opinion over advice?
Individuals may seek opinions to gather diverse perspectives without the implication of needing to act on them.
Can advice change over time?
Yes, as situations evolve and more information becomes available, advice may be adjusted to remain relevant.
What role does trust play in giving or receiving advice?
Trust is crucial; advice is more likely to be followed when the adviser is trusted and respected.
How can opinions contribute to personal growth?
Exposure to a range of opinions can broaden one's perspective, enhance critical thinking, and foster empathy.
How can one effectively give advice?
Effective advice requires understanding the recipient's situation, clear communication, and offering practical, actionable suggestions.
Is it important to seek advice from multiple sources?
Yes, seeking advice from multiple sources can provide a well-rounded understanding of an issue and help in making informed decisions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
