Opinion vs. Judging — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 7, 2023
Opinion is a personal belief or view about something, not necessarily based on fact. Judging involves making an assessment or evaluation, often based on criteria.
Difference Between Opinion and Judging
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Opinion refers to a person's beliefs or feelings concerning a particular topic. It's highly subjective and can be formed without exhaustive reasoning or evidence. On the other hand, judging involves the process of assessing or evaluating something, usually against a set standard or criteria.
Having an opinion doesn't automatically mean that one is judging. You can hold an opinion about a movie being good or bad but judging it would involve critiquing its elements like acting, direction, and screenplay to make an assessment.
Sometimes opinions can form the basis for judging. For example, a subjective opinion about a particular cuisine could lead one to judge a new restaurant harshly. However, judging typically requires a more detailed analysis and is expected to be more objective.
In everyday language, the terms opinion and judging are often used interchangeably, but they serve different functions. Opinion is more about personal preference and can exist without justification. Judging, however, usually demands a rationale and often serves a purpose like decision-making.
While opinions are generally considered to be more emotional and personal, judging is usually seen as more rational and analytical. Judging often has a finality to it, leading to a decision or conclusion, whereas an opinion can change more fluidly.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Gerund (verb form also available)
Basis
Personal belief or view
Assessment based on criteria
Subjectivity
Highly subjective
Aims to be objective
Finality
Can change easily
Usually leads to a conclusion or decision
Function
Indicates personal preference
Used for evaluation or decision-making
Compare with Definitions
Opinion
Opinion is a personal belief or attitude.
Her opinion on the issue differed from mine.
Judging
Judging is the act of making an assessment.
Judging the contest was not an easy task.
Opinion
Opinion can be a professional judgment.
The doctor's opinion was to proceed with the surgery.
Judging
Judging may involve moral or ethical evaluation.
People should avoid judging others too quickly.
Opinion
Opinion represents a standpoint on a matter.
His opinion on climate change is well-researched.
Judging
Judging involves forming an opinion.
She is judging you based on your actions.
Opinion
Opinion can be a general public sentiment.
Public opinion was against the new policy.
Judging
Judging can be the act of criticizing.
He felt like everyone was judging him.
Opinion
Opinion can be a formal legal judgment.
The judge's opinion clarified the law.
Judging
Judging can be a formal process in competitions.
Judging for the baking contest starts at noon.
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).
Judging
To form an opinion or estimation of after careful consideration
Judge heights.
Judging character.
Opinion
An opinion is a judgement, viewpoint, or statement that is not conclusive, rather than facts, which are true statements.
Judging
(Law) To hear and decide on in a court of law
Judge a case.
Opinion
A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert
A medical opinion.
Judging
To pass sentence on; condemn.
Opinion
A judgment or estimation of the merit of a person or thing
Has a low opinion of braggarts.
Judging
To act as one appointed to decide the winners of
Judge an essay contest.
Opinion
The prevailing view
Public opinion.
Judging
To determine or declare after consideration or deliberation
Most people judged him negligent in performing his duties as a parent.
Opinion
A court's formal, usually written statement explaining its reasons for its decision in a case.
Judging
(Informal) To have as an opinion or assumption; suppose
I judge you're right.
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.
Judging
(Bible) To govern; rule. Used of an ancient Israelite leader.
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.
Judging
To form an opinion or evaluation.
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.
Judging
To act or decide as a judge.
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
Judging
One who makes estimates as to worth, quality, or fitness
A good judge of used cars.
A poor judge of character.
Opinion
(obsolete) Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Judging
(Law) A public official who hears and decides cases brought in court.
Opinion
(obsolete) Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Judging
(Law) A public official who hears and decides cases or matters in a forum other than a court, such as an administrative proceeding.
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.
Judging
One appointed to decide the winners of a contest or competition.
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
Judging
A leader of the Israelites during a period of about 400 years between the death of Joshua and the accession of Saul.
Opinion
To have or express as an opinion.
Judging
Judges (used with a sing. verb) See Table at Bible.
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.
Judging
(obsolete) judg
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.
Judging
The act of making a judgment.
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.
Judging
The cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions.
Opinion
Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Judging
The cognitive process of reaching a decision or drawing conclusions
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
What is an Opinion?
An opinion is a personal belief or view about something.
Can Judging be objective?
Judging aims to be objective, especially when it follows a set of standards or criteria.
What does Judging mean?
Judging means making an assessment or evaluation based on criteria.
Is an Opinion always subjective?
Generally, opinions are subjective as they are based on personal feelings or beliefs.
Does Judging have to be final?
Judging often leads to a conclusion, but it isn't always final and can be revisited.
How are Opinions formed?
Opinions can be formed through personal experience, social influence, or research.
Is having an Opinion the same as Judging?
No, having an opinion is stating a personal belief, whereas judging involves evaluation.
Can an Opinion be a professional view?
Yes, opinions can be professional judgments, as in medical or legal opinions.
Is it bad to have an Opinion?
Having an opinion is not inherently bad; it's how one acts on it that matters.
Is Judging always formal?
No, judging can be informal, like judging someone's outfit, or formal, like in a competition.
Can you have an Opinion without Judging?
Yes, you can have an opinion without necessarily making an evaluative judgment.
Is Judging someone always negative?
No, judging can be positive or negative depending on the evaluation and intent.
How does one avoid Judging others?
Being aware of one's own biases and not jumping to conclusions can help in avoiding unnecessary judgment.
What is the difference between Opinion and Fact?
An opinion is a personal belief, while a fact is a statement that can be proven true or false.
Can an Opinion change?
Yes, opinions can change over time or with new information.
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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.
