Opinion vs. Advice: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
Opinion is a personal belief or judgment, while advice is a recommendation or guidance given by someone, usually based on expertise or experience.

Key Differences
Opinion refers to a personal viewpoint or belief about a topic, situation, or issue. It is subjective and can vary from person to person. Advice, on the other hand, is a form of guidance or recommendation provided to assist someone in making a decision or taking action.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
In daily conversations, opinions are often shared freely and may not require expertise or authority. Advice, however, is generally sought from individuals who have specific knowledge, experience, or expertise in the subject matter.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
An opinion might not necessarily have an immediate impact on someone's actions or decisions. Advice, conversely, is given with the intention of influencing someone's choice or conduct, often towards a specific outcome.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Opinion can be about anything—like taste in music, political views, or whether a movie is good or bad. Advice is more task-oriented, offering a course of action one should or could take to achieve a particular result.

Sara Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
An opinion may be solicited or unsolicited, but it doesn't carry an expectation that the other person will act upon it. Advice, especially when solicited, often comes with an expectation that the individual will consider it seriously when making decisions.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Expectation
No expectation for action
Expectation that it will influence choic

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Sep 17, 2023
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Opinion and Advice Definitions
Opinion
A personal belief about something.
In my opinion, the movie was great.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Advice
A recommendation given based on experience.
Her advice on investing was very helpful.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Opinion
A subjective interpretation of facts.
The news article was just the author's opinion.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Advice
A suggestion for a course of action.
The lawyer gave advice on how to proceed.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
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Opinion
A belief or conclusion held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof
"The world is not run by thought, nor by imagination, but by opinion" (Elizabeth Drew).

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
An opinion intended to influence choices.
His advice was to take the job offer.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Opinion
A judgment based on special knowledge and given by an expert
A medical opinion.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A judgment or estimation of the merit of a person or thing
Has a low opinion of braggarts.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
Opinion about what could or should be done about a situation or problem; counsel.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
Often advices Information communicated; news
Advices from an ambassador.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A court's formal, usually written statement explaining its reasons for its decision in a case.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
(uncountable) An opinion offered to guide behavior in an effort to be helpful.
She was offered various pieces of advice on what to do with her new-found wealth.
On the advice of her doctor, Mary cut down on her carbohydrates.
I have some useful advice to give you.
Sushil never took the advice of his parents, but still became rich.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
An attorney's formal, usually written statement giving an assessment of how the law should be or is likely to be applied in a particular situation.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A piece of testimony that is not usually admissible when given by a layperson, as in contrast to an opinion given by an expert witness.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A belief, judgment or perspective that a person has formed, either through objective or subjective reasoning, about a topic, issue, person or thing.
I would like to know your opinions on the new filing system.
In my opinion, white chocolate is better than milk chocolate.
Every man is a fool in some man's opinion.
We invite you to state your opinions about the suggestions.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
(countable) In language about financial transactions executed by formal documents, an advisory document.
An advice of an incoming settlement payment order may be given to an off-line receiving bank.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
(uncountable) In commercial language, information communicated by letter; used chiefly in reference to drafts or bills of exchange
A letter of advice

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
(obsolete) Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
A communication providing information, such as how an uncertain area of law might apply to possible future actions
An advice issued by a Monitoring Committee could be applicable in a Dutch court

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
(obsolete) Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a doctor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
(European Union law) a judicial opinion delivered by an Advocate General to the European Court of Justice where he or she proposes a legal solution to the cases for which the court is responsible

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
In aspect-oriented programming, the code whose execution is triggered when a join point is reached.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
That which is opined; a notion or conviction founded on probable evidence; belief stronger than impression, less strong than positive knowledge; settled judgment in regard to any point of knowledge or action.
Opinion is when the assent of the understanding is so far gained by evidence of probability, that it rather inclines to one persuasion than to another, yet not without a mixture of incertainty or doubting.
I can not put off my opinion so easily.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
An opinion recommended or offered, as worthy to be followed; counsel.
We may give advice, but we can not give conduct.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
The judgment or sentiment which the mind forms of persons or things; estimation.
I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people.
Friendship . . . gives a man a peculiar right and claim to the good opinion of his friend.
However, I have no opinion of those things.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
Deliberate consideration; knowledge.
How shall I dote on her with more advice,That thus without advice begin to love her?

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
Favorable estimation; hence, consideration; reputation; fame; public sentiment or esteem.
Thou hast redeemed thy lost opinion.
This gained Agricola much opinion, who . . . had made such early progress into laborious . . . enterprises.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Advice
Information or notice given; intelligence; as, late advices from France; - commonly in the plural.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
Obstinacy in holding to one's belief or impression; opiniativeness; conceitedness.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
The formal decision, or expression of views, of a judge, an umpire, a counselor, or other party officially called upon to consider and decide upon a matter or point submitted.

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty;
My opinion differs from yours
What are your thoughts on Haiti?

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A belief or sentiment shared by most people; the voice of the people;
He asked for a poll of public opinion

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A message expressing a belief about something; the expression of a belief that is held with confidence but not substantiated by positive knowledge or proof;
His opinions appeared frequently on the editorial page

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
The legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision;
Opinions are usually written by a single judge

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
The reason for a court's judgment (as opposed to the decision itself)

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A vague idea in which some confidence is placed;
His impression of her was favorable
What are your feelings about the crisis?
It strengthened my belief in his sincerity
I had a feeling that she was lying

Sawaira Riaz
Apr 29, 2023
Opinion
A point of view on a specific matter.
Public opinion was against the policy.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Opinion
An assessment or judgment.
The doctor's opinion was that surgery was necessary.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
FAQs
What is advice?
Advice is a recommendation or guidance given to help someone make a decision.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
What is an opinion?
An opinion is a personal belief or judgment about something.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Can opinions be wrong?
Opinions are subjective and not inherently right or wrong.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Should advice always be followed?
No, advice should be considered but not blindly followed.

Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Is advice meant to influence others?
Yes, advice is usually given with the intention to guide decisions.

Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
Is advice factual?
Advice is usually based on facts, experience, or expertise but may still be subjective.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Does giving advice require expertise?
Usually, advice is valued more when coming from someone with expertise.

Sara Rehman
Sep 17, 2023
Can opinions influence others?
Yes, but they are not intended to serve as guidance.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Can advice be bad?
Yes, advice can be poor if it's based on incorrect information or bias.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Is it okay to disagree with someone's opinion?
Absolutely, opinions are personal beliefs and can differ.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 17, 2023
Is it okay to give unsolicited opinions?
While not inherently wrong, unsolicited opinions may not always be welcomed.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Can opinions change?
Yes, opinions can change over time or with new information.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Should I seek multiple sources of advice?
It's often beneficial to get advice from multiple perspectives.

Janet White
Sep 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
