self-opinion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, literary, sometimes critical.
Quick answer
What does “self-opinion” mean?
A strong belief in one's own judgement or importance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong belief in one's own judgement or importance; an inflated or rigid view of oneself.
Often used to describe an obstinate or conceited adherence to one's own views without regard for others' opinions or evidence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, 'self-importance', 'arrogance', or 'conceit' are more frequent.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is pejorative. In British usage, it can carry a tone of genteel criticism.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but higher in British English, particularly in written and formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “self-opinion” in a Sentence
[subject] + be + a noun of + self-opinion[possessive] + self-opinion + verbself-opinion + led + [subject] + to infinitiveVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-opinion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He self-opinions his way through every meeting, never listening.
adjective
British English
- He is the most self-opinioned fellow I've ever met.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used critically in management or leadership contexts, e.g., 'His project failed due to his stubborn self-opinion.'
Academic
Found in literary criticism, psychology, or sociology texts discussing character flaws or social dynamics.
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used in a heated argument or formal complaint.
Technical
Not a technical term; would not be used in scientific contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-opinion”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-opinion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-opinion”
- Using it as a positive trait (it is negative).
- Confusing it with 'self-esteem'.
- Using it in an A2/B1 context where simpler words like 'arrogant' are appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively negative, describing an unreasonable or excessive belief in one's own judgement.
'Self-confidence' is generally positive or neutral, implying a healthy trust in one's abilities. 'Self-opinion' is negative, implying arrogance and a disregard for others' views.
Yes, but it is a high-level (C1/C2) vocabulary item suitable for formal, literary, or critical writing. Ensure the context supports its pejorative meaning.
The adjective 'self-opinionated' is significantly more common than the noun 'self-opinion' itself.
A strong belief in one's own judgement or importance.
Self-opinion is usually formal, literary, sometimes critical. in register.
Self-opinion: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself.əˈpɪn.jən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself.əˈpɪn.jən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/She] is a slave to [his/her] own self-opinion.”
- “Blinded by self-opinion.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SELF + OPINION. A person who holds their own OPINION about their SELF in such high regard that it becomes a flaw.
Conceptual Metaphor
SELF-OPINION IS A BLINDING VEIL / SELF-OPINION IS AN IMPENETRABLE ARMOUR.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'self-opinion'?