Opinion vs. Belief — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
Insanity refers to a state of being mentally ill or irrational, while sanity denotes soundness of mind or reasonableness.
Difference Between Opinion and Belief
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Insanity and sanity stand on opposite sides of the mental wellness spectrum. Insanity is typically used to describe a state where an individual cannot discern reality, possibly due to a mental disorder. It implies an inability to think or act in a logical or rational manner. On the other hand, sanity describes the state of having a sound, healthy mind. Those deemed sane can usually differentiate between reality and delusion and can make decisions based on logic.
Insanity often alludes to severe mental health issues where the affected person may pose harm to themselves or others. Legal systems might use the term when evaluating if a person was able to distinguish right from wrong during the commission of a crime. Sanity, conversely, signifies that an individual can understand the consequences of their actions and can be held accountable.
It's crucial to note that insanity is not a term frequently used in modern clinical psychology or psychiatry; instead, specific disorders or conditions are named. However, the concept of sanity remains as an indicator of someone's ability to function reasonably in society.
While insanity and sanity can be seen as black and white terms, mental health is a continuum. People may face moments of irrationality without being termed insane. Conversely, even those who are generally rational or "sane" can have moments of doubt or irrational fears.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A state of severe mental disorder
Soundness and healthiness of mind
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Usage in law
May exempt one from criminal responsibility
Can be held accountable for actions
Clinical Usage
Rarely used; specific disorders are mentioned
Common term to indicate mental well-being
Implications
Cannot discern reality; potentially dangerous
Can differentiate between reality and delusion
Position in mental health
At the extreme end of mental disorders
Indicates normalcy and logical thinking
Compare with Definitions
Opinion
A state of being seriously mentally ill.
His descent into insanity was heartbreaking for the family.
Belief
Reasonableness or rationality.
I questioned the sanity of his decision.
Opinion
Madness or extreme foolishness.
Risking all your savings on a hunch is pure insanity.
Belief
The condition of having a sound mind.
Meditation helped him regain his sanity.
Opinion
An opinion is a judgement, viewpoint, or statement that is not conclusive, rather than facts, which are true statements.
Belief
Sound judgment and logic.
The clarity of her argument showcased her sanity.
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
Mental and emotional stability.
A vacation can restore one's sanity after long working hours.
Opinion
A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert
A medical opinion.
Belief
A belief is an attitude that something is the case, or that some proposition about the world is true. In epistemology, philosophers use the term "belief" to refer to attitudes about the world which can be either true or false.
Opinion
A judgment or estimation of the merit of a person or thing
Has a low opinion of braggarts.
Belief
The mental act, condition, or habit of placing trust or confidence in another
My belief in you is as strong as ever.
Opinion
The prevailing view
Public opinion.
Belief
Mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something
His explanation of what happened defies belief.
Opinion
A court's formal, usually written statement explaining its reasons for its decision in a case.
Belief
Something believed or accepted as true, especially a particular tenet or a body of tenets accepted by a group of persons.
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
Mental acceptance of a claim as true.
It's my belief that the thief is somebody known to us.
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
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
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
(countable) Something believed.
The ancient people have a belief in many deities.
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
Belief
(uncountable) The quality or state of believing.
My belief that it will rain tomorrow is strong.
Opinion
(obsolete) Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Belief
(uncountable) Religious faith.
She often said it was her belief that carried her through the hard times.
Opinion
(obsolete) Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Belief
(in the plural) One's religious or moral convictions.
I can't do that. It's against my beliefs.
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
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
(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 persuasion of the truths of religion; faith.
No man can attain [to] belief by the bare contemplation of heaven and earth.
Opinion
To have or express as an opinion.
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
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 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 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.
Belief
Any cognitive content held as true
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.
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
Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Belief
Absence of mental disorders.
Regular check-ups ensure both physical and sanity wellness.
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
A state of irrationality or chaos.
The city was driven to insanity during the celebrations.
Opinion
The condition of being unsound in mind.
The defense argued for insanity during the trial.
Opinion
Extreme recklessness or lack of foresight.
Investing without research is financial insanity.
Common Curiosities
Is sanity merely the absence of insanity?
Not exactly. Sanity is a positive state of mental wellness, not just a lack of disorder.
Is insanity permanent?
Not necessarily. Some conditions can be managed or even resolved with appropriate treatment.
Can a sane person have irrational fears?
Yes, even those deemed sane can experience irrational thoughts or fears.
Is insanity a clinical term?
No, modern psychiatry rarely uses "insanity"; specific conditions are identified instead.
Is sanity the same as intelligence?
No. One can be intelligent yet struggle with mental health issues.
Can external factors lead to insanity?
Traumatic events or substance abuse can influence mental health but labeling it "insanity" is outdated.
How can one maintain sanity in stressful situations?
Techniques like meditation, therapy, and self-care can help.
Can you measure insanity or sanity?
While you can assess mental health, it's not a straightforward measurement.
Can someone be both sane and insane?
Mental health is a spectrum; one can have moments of both clarity and irrationality.
How do experts define sanity?
It's the ability to think rationally, discern reality, and behave appropriately.
How do legal systems view insanity?
It can be a defense in criminal trials if one couldn't distinguish right from wrong.
Is there a test to determine sanity?
Psychiatrists use various assessments to gauge mental health but not a "sanity test" per se.
Do all cultures view insanity and sanity similarly?
No, cultural norms and beliefs play a role in these perceptions.
What's the opposite of insanity?
Sanity is often considered the opposite of insanity.
Is every irrational act a sign of insanity?
No, occasional irrationality doesn't equate to severe mental disorder.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
