The main difference between opinion and point of view is that opinion is what we think about something, whereas the point of view is the way we look at things.
Both opinions and points of view are two closely related concepts. That is, our opinion about something is directly influenced by our point of view about it. Also, both are personal and subjective.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is an Opinion
– Definition, Features
2. What is a Point of View
– Definition, Features
3. Relationship Between Opinion and Point of View
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Opinion and Point of View
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Point of View, Opinion, First Person Point of View, Second Person Point of View, Third Person Point of View
What is an Opinion
An opinion is a view or judgment about something. In other words, it is what someone thinks about something. Furthermore, an opinion does not have to be necessarily based on facts or knowledge. An opinion is usually a personal interpretation based on an individual’s knowledge and experience; therefore, it cannot be verified with concrete evidence. Most importantly, opinions are always subjective.
It’s often difficult to identify the difference between facts and opinions. Suppose you can say that country A is better than country B. We can describe this as your opinion. But, if you use evidence like survey results, comparison of infrastructure, interviews of residents, etc., you can present it as a fact.
When you gather new information by reading or listening to the news, it is always important to know the difference between facts and opinions. You can usually identify opinions by the use of adjectives, superlatives, comparatives, and first-person points of view.
Some Examples of Opinions
- Spring is better than winter.
- London is the best city in the world.
- I think he was lying to me.
- Everyone respects the principal of our school.
- He is the most handsome Indian I’ve ever seen.
What is a Point of View
The point of view is basically the way we look at things. We also call this a perspective. Different people have different points of view. When we use different points of view, we might see the same scene or objects in different ways. For instance, some students might see school as a place to have fun, whereas some may see it as a restricting place with too many rules and regulations.
As you can see from the above image, two people looking at the same object can interpret it differently due to different points of view.
In literature, point of view refers to who is narrating the story. There are three main types of points of view; they are first person, second person, and third person point of view. In the first person point of view, we see the events through the eyes of the character narrating the story, while in the third person point of view, the narrator describes what he sees as a spectator. Second person point of view, on the other hand, is rare in fiction, where the narrator directly speaks to you.
Relationship Between Opinion and Point of View
- Both opinions and points of view are two closely related concepts.
- Our opinion about something is directly influenced by our point of view about it.
Difference Between Opinion and Point of View
Definition
An opinion is a view or judgment about something, while a point of view is the perspective or the way we look at things.
Nature
Opinions are the ideas expressed by a person, whereas the point of view is the perspective from which he/she views a situation.
Conclusion
An opinion is a view or judgment about something, while a point of view is the perspective on something. Therefore, the main difference between opinion and point of view is that opinion is what we think about something, whereas the point of view is the way we look at things.
Reference:
1. “Point of view (philosophy).” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Opinion” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Point of view bias” By Mushki Brichta – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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