On Wednesdays, I show some love to relatively unknown, underused or under-appreciated words. This week’s word is:

Opine

(Verb)

Definition: To hold and state as one’s opinion.
Example: “This book is fantastic,” she opined.
Pronunciation: oh-pine

I can honestly say that I don’t ever recall hearing this word used in a real-life verbal exchange. Perhaps I’ve simple never noticed its existence in conversational English, or perhaps it’s just not a very fashionable word. Strange really, considering the word “opinion” is thrown around multiple times a day by most people. I think “opine” is a great word that deserves more than a life relegated to novels and broadsheet articles. Let’s reinstate it to its rightful place in regular conversation!

Will you join me in attempting to use the word “opine” in conversation at least once this week? Be sure to report back here regarding the context in which you used it! And if you’d like to nominate a word for Word-Loving Wednesday, simply post it in the comments section below!

Photo courtesy of Trevor on Flickr.