public opinion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal; Academic; Media; Political
Quick answer
What does “public opinion” mean?
The collective beliefs, attitudes, and judgments held by ordinary people in a society about a particular issue, person, or institution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The collective beliefs, attitudes, and judgments held by ordinary people in a society about a particular issue, person, or institution.
The prevailing climate of thought or sentiment within a community or nation, often measured through polls and surveys, and considered a driving force in democratic politics and social change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. The term is equally central in both political lexicons. Spelling differences follow national norms (e.g., 'public opinion polls' vs. 'public opinion polls').
Connotations
In the UK, it may sometimes carry a slightly more historical or establishment-centric connotation due to longer parliamentary tradition. In the US, it is often more directly linked to polling data and electoral pressure.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, especially in political science, journalism, and sociology contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “public opinion” in a Sentence
Public opinion on [issue]Public opinion about [topic]Public opinion in [country]Public opinion is divided/shifting/against/in favour ofVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “public opinion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government was keen to gauge public opinion before finalising the policy.
- The scandal is likely to shift public opinion against the minister.
American English
- Lobbyists work tirelessly to mold public opinion on the issue.
- The administration is trying to sway public opinion with a new ad campaign.
adverb
British English
- The policy was changed, arguably influenced more by public opinion than by evidence.
- The minister acted decisively, seemingly oblivious to public opinion.
American English
- The bill failed, largely due to shifting public opinion.
- They governed effectively despite volatile public opinion.
adjective
British English
- Public-opinion research is crucial for any modern political party.
- They faced a huge public-opinion backlash after the announcement.
American English
- The public-opinion poll showed a dramatic drop in support.
- It became a public-opinion nightmare for the corporation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Companies monitor public opinion on their brand and environmental practices to manage reputation.
Academic
The study analyses how media framing influences the formation of public opinion on climate policy.
Everyday
Politicians are always worried about public opinion, especially before an election.
Technical
The latest time-series data indicates a significant realignment of public opinion on constitutional reform.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “public opinion”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “public opinion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “public opinion”
- Using it as a plural countable noun (e.g., 'public opinions are' - incorrect). Treating it as synonymous with 'publicity'. Confusing it with 'popularity'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is treated as a singular, uncountable noun (e.g., Public opinion is changing).
They are very similar, but 'public opinion' is the standard formal term, especially in political contexts. 'Popular opinion' can sound slightly more informal and can sometimes imply a less reasoned, more fad-like sentiment.
Primarily through opinion polls, surveys, focus groups, and analysis of social media sentiment and election results.
No. By definition, it refers to an aggregate or collective view. A single person holds a 'personal opinion' that may or may not align with public opinion.
The collective beliefs, attitudes, and judgments held by ordinary people in a society about a particular issue, person, or institution.
Public opinion is usually formal; academic; media; political in register.
Public opinion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpʌblɪk əˈpɪnjən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpʌblɪk əˈpɪnjən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The court of public opinion”
- “A shift in the wind of public opinion”
- “To be swayed by public opinion”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PUBLIC square where everyone gathers to voice their OPINIONS; together, they form PUBLIC OPINION.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC OPINION IS A FORCE (a tide, a wind, a current that can be shaped, measured, or ridden). PUBLIC OPINION IS A COURT (a tribunal that judges people and issues).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'public opinion'?