The correct spelling of the phrase "held opinion" is /hɛld əˈpɪnjən/. The word "held" is a past tense and past participle of the verb "hold" and the word "opinion" refers to a belief or view held by someone. The phonetic transcription consists of two syllables for "held" and three for "opinion" with the primary stress on the second syllable. This spelling can help avoid confusion with other homophones, such as "help opinion" or "held onion".
A "held opinion" refers to a viewpoint or belief that an individual or a group of individuals firmly holds or maintains. It represents a personal conviction or a collective position on a particular subject or issue. A held opinion reflects a fixed standpoint that is firmly rooted in one's thoughts, values, experiences, or knowledge.
This type of opinion is typically supported by evidence, reasoning, or personal experiences that have led an individual or a group to form a strong commitment to the viewpoint. A held opinion often plays a significant role in shaping one's perception of the world, influencing their actions, and guiding their decision-making process.
A held opinion can vary widely, depending on the context and subject matter. It may pertain to beliefs on social, political, religious, moral, or scientific matters, among other domains. These opinions are not easily swayed or changed, as they have often been developed over time through personal reflection, education, discussion, or exposure to different perspectives.
While a held opinion is typically individual in nature, it can also be shared by a community, organization, or society as a whole. Such shared opinions may influence public discourse, policies, laws, or social norms. However, it is important to note that held opinions can vary among individuals or groups, leading to diverse perspectives and potential conflicts.
The term "held opinion" consists of two words: "held" and "opinion". Here is the etymology of each word:
1. Held: The word "held" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "hold". It originated from the Old English word "healdan" which meant "to grasp, to keep, or to possess". In Middle English, the word evolved into "helden" before eventually becoming "held". The term has remained relatively unchanged in meaning throughout its history.
2. Opinion: The word "opinion" has a Latin origin. It comes from the Latin word "opinio", meaning "a way of thinking, judgement, or belief". In Latin, "opinio" was derived from the verb "opinari" which meant "to think" or "to suppose".