op-ed
C1Formal, journalistic, educated discourse.
Definition
Meaning
A newspaper article, typically printed opposite the editorial page, expressing a personal opinion on a current issue, often by a guest writer.
Any article of commentary, analysis, or opinion published in a newspaper, magazine, or online platform, distinguished from straight news reporting. In modern usage, it broadly refers to opinion journalism.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is an abbreviation of 'opposite the editorial page,' indicating its original physical location in a newspaper. While traditionally associated with external expert contributors, it now also includes columns by the publication's own staff. The term implies a degree of argumentation, expertise, and formal style.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in and is most strongly associated with American journalism. In British English, 'comment piece', 'opinion piece', or 'leader' (though a leader is specifically the paper's official editorial) are more common generic terms, but 'op-ed' is widely understood, especially in media/journalism circles.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes formal, reasoned opinion. In the US, it has a stronger institutional association with major newspapers like The New York Times. In the UK, its use can sometimes signal a more American-style approach to opinion journalism.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English. In British English, it is a recognized specialist/journalistic term but less common in everyday speech than 'opinion piece'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
write/publish/submit an op-ed [on/about + TOPIC]an op-ed [by + AUTHOR]an op-ed [in + PUBLICATION]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “This isn't news, it's an op-ed.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in media analysis or PR contexts, e.g., 'We need to place a favourable op-ed in the Financial Times.'
Academic
Used in media studies or political science to analyse public discourse.
Everyday
Recognised by educated readers, but less commonly used than 'opinion article' in casual conversation.
Technical
A standard term in journalism, publishing, and communications industries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Guardian's op-ed section is quite diverse.
- He has an op-ed slot every fortnight.
American English
- She landed a coveted op-ed page placement.
- His op-ed style is very direct.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I read an interesting article in the paper. It was someone's opinion.
- The professor wrote an op-ed criticising the new government policy.
- Her op-ed on climate change was widely shared online.
- The former ambassador's scathing op-ed in The Times significantly shifted the public debate on the treaty.
- Pitching an op-ed requires a strong, timely argument and relevant expertise.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think OPposite the EDitorial page -> OP-ED.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PUBLIC PLATFORM (the op-ed page is a stage for ideas). A FORMAL DEBATE (it presents a structured argument).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as 'оперативный редактор' (operational editor). It is not a person but an article. The closest equivalent is 'авторская колонка' or 'статья-мнение'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He op-edded about politics' - incorrect). Spelling it as 'oped' or 'op ed' without the hyphen. Confusing it with a newspaper's official 'editorial', which represents the institution's view, not a guest's.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of an 'op-ed'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the standard form is hyphenated: op-ed.
While theoretically open, op-eds in major publications are usually written by experts, public figures, or individuals with unique, credible perspectives on newsworthy topics.
An editorial (or 'leader') expresses the official view of the newspaper's editorial board. An op-ed expresses the personal view of an external contributor or a named columnist.
Yes, the term has extended to opinion articles published on news websites, even though the original 'opposite the editorial page' physical layout doesn't apply.