public opinion

noun

1. the collective opinion of many people on some issue, problem, etc., especially as a guide to action, decision, or the like.

public opinion

noun

1. the attitude of the public, esp as a factor in determining the actions of government

Word History and Origins

Origin of public opinion¹

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

Clearly, public opinion about congressional Republicans is all over the map.

From FiveThirtyEight

A recent public opinion survey of 28 countries found that nine in ten people want the post-pandemic world to be more “sustainable and equitable.”

From Time

According to a December poll by Kantar, a global public opinion firm, published in Bild, Spahn had surpassed Merkel as the country’s most popular politician.

From Time

Otherwise, falsehood would poison public opinion and people’s trust in their elected officials would be unduly eroded.

From Washington Post

Political scientist Lily Mason’s work on public opinion shows that those alignments supercharge partisan animosities.

From Vox

The police cannot ultimately control public opinion unilaterally.

From The Daily Beast

Changing public opinion, of course, will be the work of a generation or maybe two, but kudos to Stewart for getting it started.

From The Daily Beast

I hope that America is going to hold Cuba accountable in public opinion.

From The Daily Beast

So let's not try to save face for public opinion because I don't need to play victim so people can take my side.

From The Daily Beast

But in the court of public opinion, Cosby has clearly been found guilty by millions.

From The Daily Beast

He was ordered, however, to keep the Emperor daily informed of the state of public opinion in Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

And for this the thing needed is an altered public opinion on the subject of work in relation to human character and development.

From Project Gutenberg

Clubs were formed to discuss the great questions of the day, to mold public opinion, and to overawe the Assembly.

From Project Gutenberg

Force of public opinion, proper education, however, can do a great deal in the desired direction.

From Project Gutenberg

"Well, as far as public opinion goes, I s'pose Tom has hit the nail on the head," observed Bill.

From Project Gutenberg