8 a matter of opinion → see matter COLLOCATIONS opinion NOUN
1
adjective + opinion : objective, subjective; humble; strong; informed, valid; forthright, honest
verb + opinion : express, voice
opinion + verb : differ, vary
3
adjective + opinion : legal, medical, scientific
verb + opinion : divide, polarize, split
opinion + verb : shift, swing
opin|ion|at|ed /əp I njəne I t I d/ ADJ If you describe someone as opinionated , you mean that they have very strong opinions and refuse to accept that they may be wrong. □ Sue is the extrovert in the family; opinionated, talkative and passionate about politics.
opi n|ion for|mer (opinion formers ) also opinion maker N‑COUNT Opinion formers are people who have a lot of influence over what the public thinks about things.
opi n|ion poll (opinion polls ) N‑COUNT An opinion poll involves asking people's opinions on a particular subject, especially one concerning politics. □ An opinion poll showed that his popularity had dived by a third since the election.
opium /oʊ piəm/ N‑UNCOUNT Opium is a powerful drug made from the juice or sap of a type of poppy. Opium is used in medicines that relieve pain or help someone sleep.
opos|sum /əpɒ səm/ (opossums ) N‑VAR An opossum is a small animal that lives in America. It carries its young in a pouch on its body, and has thick fur and a long tail.
op|po|nent ◆◇◇ /əpoʊ nənt/ (opponents )
1 N‑COUNT [usu with poss] A politician's opponents are other politicians who belong to a different party or who have different aims or policies. □ [+ in ] …Mr Kennedy's opponent in the leadership contest. □ He described the detention without trial of political opponents as a cowardly act.
2 N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] In a sporting contest, your opponent is the person who is playing against you. □ Norris twice knocked down his opponent in the early rounds of the fight.
3 N‑COUNT The opponents of an idea or policy do not agree with it and do not want it to be carried out. □ [+ of ] …opponents of the spread of nuclear weapons. SYNONYMS opponent NOUN 1
adversary: His political adversaries were creating trouble for him.
rivaclass="underline" He eliminated his rivals in a brutal struggle for power.
enemy: The Government's political enemies were quick to pick up on this mishap.
opposition: The main opposition parties boycotted the election.
op|por|tune /ɒ pə r tjuːn, [AM ] -tuː n/ ADJ If something happens at an opportune time or is opportune , it happens at the time that is most convenient for someone or most likely to lead to success. [FORMAL ] □ I believe that I have arrived at a very opportune moment. □ The timing of the meetings was opportune.
op|por|tun|ism /ɒ pə r tjuː n I zəm, [AM ] -tuː n-/ N‑UNCOUNT If you refer to someone's behaviour as opportunism , you are criticizing them for taking advantage of any opportunity that occurs in order to gain money or power, without thinking about whether their actions are right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ The Energy Minister responded by saying that the opposition's concern for the environment was political opportunism.
op|por|tun|ist /ɒ pə r tjuː n I st, [AM ] -tuː n-/ (opportunists )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] If you describe someone as opportunist , you are critical of them because they take advantage of any situation in order to gain money or power, without considering whether their actions are right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ …corrupt and opportunist politicians. ● N‑COUNT An opportunist is someone who is opportunist. □ Like most successful politicians, Sinclair was an opportunist. □ Car thieves are opportunists.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Opportunist actions are not planned, but are carried out in order to take advantage of a situation that has just occurred. □ He made the game safe with a brilliant opportunist goal.
op|por|tun|is|tic /ɒ pə r tjuːn I st I k, [AM ] -tuːn-/ ADJ If you describe someone's behaviour as opportunistic , you are critical of them because they take advantage of situations in order to gain money or power, without thinking about whether their actions are right or wrong. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Many of the party's members joined only for opportunistic reasons. ● op|por|tun|is|ti|cal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ This nationalist feeling has been exploited opportunistically by several important politicians.
op|por|tu|nity ◆◆◇ /ɒ pə r tjuː n I ti, [AM ] -tuː n-/ (opportunities )
1 N‑VAR [oft N to-inf] An opportunity is a situation in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do. □ I had an opportunity to go to New York and study. □ [+ for ] I want to see more opportunities for young people. □ …equal opportunities in employment.
2 → see also photo opportunity SYNONYMS opportunity NOUN 1
chance: The electoral council announced that all eligible people would get a chance to vote.
opening: Her capabilities were always there; all she needed was an opening to show them.
possibility: There were several possibilities open to each manufacturer.
op|pose ◆◇◇ /əpoʊ z/ (opposes , opposing , opposed ) VERB If you oppose someone or oppose their plans or ideas, you disagree with what they want to do and try to prevent them from doing it. □ [V n] Mr Taylor was not bitter towards those who had opposed him. □ [V n] Many parents oppose bilingual education in schools.