Opinion vs Sentiment

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

 OpinionSentiment
MeaningWhat you think about something.A feeling or emotion about something.
CEFR levelA1C1
Part of speechnounnoun
Usage notesUse 'opinion' when discussing thoughts or views. It’s neutral and suits most situations but may be too informal for formal essays.Use this word when discussing feelings or opinions, especially in contexts like psychology or marketing. It is less common in casual conversations.

Frequently asked questions: Opinion vs Sentiment

What's the difference between "Opinion" and "Sentiment"?

"Opinion" means: What you think about something. "Sentiment" means: A feeling or emotion about something.

When should I use "Opinion" and "Sentiment"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Opinion" and "Sentiment" the same CEFR level?

"Opinion" is at A1, "Sentiment" is at C1 on the CEFR scale.

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