Opinion vs. Suggestion — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 7, 2024
Opinions express personal beliefs or judgments, while suggestions offer advice or recommendations.
Difference Between Opinion and Suggestion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Opinions are personal views or assessments held by individuals about various topics, ranging from simple preferences to complex analyses. Suggestions, on the other hand, are proposals or recommendations offered to others as a course of action.
While opinions are about stating how one feels or thinks about something, suggestions are action-oriented, focusing on what should be done. Suggestions, in contrast, are often based on a combination of personal insight, experience, and objective analysis.
The value of opinions lies in their ability to foster understanding, debate, and empathy by revealing personal viewpoints. Suggestions contribute to problem-solving and decision-making processes by offering targeted advice that can help others achieve their objectives more effectively.
Opinions are subjective and reflect the individual's feelings, beliefs, or tastes. For example, someone might have a positive opinion about a new movie because it aligns with their preferences in cinematography and storytelling. Suggestions are typically offered after considering the needs, preferences, or situations of others, making them a form of social interaction aimed at providing constructive advice or guidance.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A personal belief or judgment about something.
A proposal or recommendation for action.
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Purpose
To express personal views or assessments.
To offer advice or recommendations for action.
Nature
Subjective and varies among individuals.
Action-oriented, often aiming to assist or guide.
Basis
Influenced by personal experiences, values, and knowledge.
Based on analysis, insight, and the needs or preferences of others.
Role in Communication
Shares perspectives and fosters debate.
Guides decisions and provides constructive advice.
Compare with Definitions
Opinion
Advice or views given by someone in their area of expertise.
The doctor’s professional opinion was to proceed with the surgery.
Suggestion
Recommendations on specific actions to take.
My suggestion is to apologize to resolve the misunderstanding.
Opinion
A view based on individual feelings or preferences.
I think vanilla is the best ice cream flavor.
Suggestion
Endorsements or advice about products.
My suggestion for a durable phone case is the brand X model.
Opinion
A judgment made by someone with extensive knowledge in a particular field.
The architect’s opinion is that the building design is structurally sound.
Suggestion
Recommendations provided to help or guide someone.
My suggestion is to invest in a diversified portfolio.
Opinion
An assessment that involves analysis and evaluation of something.
Her critical opinion of the novel was that it lacked depth in character development.
Suggestion
Proposals aimed at enhancing a situation or process.
The committee’s suggestion was to streamline the approval process.
Opinion
The collective views of a population on a topic.
Public opinion on climate change is increasingly concerned.
Suggestion
Ideas offered to solve a problem.
A possible suggestion for reducing traffic is to improve public transportation.
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).
Suggestion
Suggestion is the psychological process by which one person guides the thoughts, feelings, or behavior of another person. Nineteenth-century writers on psychology such as William James used the words "suggest" and "suggestion" in the context of a particular idea which was said to suggest another when it brought that other idea to mind.
Opinion
An opinion is a judgement, viewpoint, or statement that is not conclusive, rather than facts, which are true statements.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting
Bought the book at my suggestion.
Opinion
A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert
A medical opinion.
Suggestion
Something suggested
Are you going to follow my suggestions?.
Opinion
A judgment or estimation of the merit of a person or thing
Has a low opinion of braggarts.
Suggestion
The sequential process by which one thought or mental image leads to another.
Opinion
The prevailing view
Public opinion.
Suggestion
A psychological process by which an idea is induced in or adopted by another without argument, command, or coercion.
Opinion
A court's formal, usually written statement explaining its reasons for its decision in a case.
Suggestion
An idea or response so induced.
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.
Suggestion
A hint or trace
Just a suggestion of makeup.
The first suggestion of trouble ahead.
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.
Suggestion
(countable) Something suggested (with subsequent adposition being for)
I have a small suggestion for fixing this: try lifting the left side up a bit.
Make a suggestion
Traffic signs seem to be more of a suggestion than an order.
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.
Suggestion
(uncountable) The act of suggesting.
Suggestion often works better than explicit demand.
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
Suggestion
Something implied, which the mind is liable to take as fact.
He’s somehow picked up the suggestion that I like peanuts.
Opinion
(obsolete) Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Suggestion
The act of exercising control over a hypnotised subject by communicating some belief or impulse by means of words or gestures; the idea so suggested.
Opinion
(obsolete) Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Suggestion
Information, insinuation, speculation, as opposed to a sworn testimony and evidence.
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.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting; presentation of an idea.
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
Suggestion
That which is suggested; an intimation; an insinuation; a hint; a different proposal or mention; also, formerly, a secret incitement; temptation.
Why do I yield to that suggestion?
Opinion
To have or express as an opinion.
Suggestion
Charge; complaint; accusation.
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.
Suggestion
Information without oath; an entry of a material fact or circumstance on the record for the information of the court, at the death or insolvency of a party.
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.
Suggestion
The act or power of originating or recalling ideas or relations, distinguished as original and relative; - a term much used by Scottish metaphysicians from Hutcherson to Thomas Brown.
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.
Suggestion
The control of the mind of an hypnotic subject by ideas in the mind of the hypnotizer.
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.
Arthur, whom they say is killed to-nightOn your suggestion.
Opinion
Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.
Suggestion
An idea that is suggested;
The picnic was her suggestion
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.
Suggestion
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;
It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
Opinion
To opine.
Suggestion
A just detectable amount;
He speaks French with a trace of an accent
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?
Suggestion
Persuasion formulated as a suggestion
Opinion
A belief or sentiment shared by most people; the voice of the people;
He asked for a poll of public opinion
Suggestion
The sequential mental process in which one thought leads to another by association
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
Suggestion
The act of inducing hypnosis
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
How do opinions and suggestions differ?
Opinions express personal viewpoints, while suggestions provide advice or recommendations aimed at guiding actions.
What is an opinion?
An opinion is a personal belief or judgment about something, reflecting the individual's thoughts or feelings.
How should one respond to opinions and suggestions?
Responses should be thoughtful, considering the intent behind them—respecting personal views for opinions and evaluating the feasibility of suggestions.
Why are opinions important?
Opinions are important for fostering understanding, debate, and empathy by sharing personal viewpoints.
How do suggestions contribute to decision-making?
Suggestions contribute by offering targeted advice that helps others make informed decisions or solve problems.
What is a suggestion?
A suggestion is a proposal or recommendation offered to someone as a course of action.
How do expert opinions impact suggestions in professional fields?
Expert opinions can significantly inform suggestions, providing insights based on specialized knowledge and experience.
Can an opinion also be a suggestion?
While opinions and suggestions serve different purposes, an opinion can sometimes imply a suggestion, especially if it leads to actionable advice.
Is it important to distinguish between opinions and suggestions?
Yes, distinguishing them helps clarify communication, ensuring that personal views are not mistaken for actionable advice.
Can suggestions be based on opinions?
Yes, suggestions can be informed by personal opinions, especially if they are backed by experience or expertise in a relevant field.
What makes a suggestion effective?
An effective suggestion is actionable, relevant, and considers the needs, preferences, or situation of the recipient.
Why might someone prefer a suggestion over an opinion?
They might seek practical advice or solutions rather than personal viewpoints, especially in decision-making contexts.
What role do opinions and suggestions play in collaborative environments?
They facilitate communication, idea-sharing, and problem-solving, enriching collaborative efforts with diverse perspectives and actionable advice.
How can one offer a suggestion respectfully?
By being considerate of the recipient's feelings and perspectives, and presenting the suggestion as a possible option rather than a directive.
Can public opinion influence suggestions?
Yes, public opinion can shape suggestions, particularly in policy-making, business strategies, and social initiatives.
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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.
Edited 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.
