Opinionatedness

Opinionatedness is the quality or state of being stubbornly holding to one's own opinions, often to the exclusion of others' views. It implies a strong conviction in one's beliefs, sometimes accompanied by an unwillingness to consider alternative perspectives or evidence that contradicts those beliefs. This characteristic can manifest as a tendency to express opinions forcefully, even when it's not explicitly requested, and to be resistant to change one's mind. The level of opinionatedness can range from confident assertion to outright dogmatism, where the individual refuses to entertain opposing viewpoints as a matter of principle.

Opinionatedness meaning with examples

• The senator's opinionatedness was on full display during the debate, as he repeatedly interrupted his opponent and dismissed their arguments out of hand. Despite presented evidence, he would not budge from his position, which made constructive dialogue nearly impossible. His unwavering stance, fueled by his strongly held beliefs, made him a formidable, if not always agreeable, political figure, leaving his staff to handle damage control.
• Her opinionatedness was a constant source of friction within the team. In meetings, she'd quickly dismiss any suggestions that differed from her own, even if they were well-reasoned and supported by data. This reluctance to collaborate stifled creativity and innovation and created an environment of resentment among her colleagues. Team members struggled to voice their own ideas because of her unwavering conviction in her ideas.
• His opinionatedness was evident in his staunch refusal to try new cuisines. He had a set list of foods he liked and was incredibly vocal about disliking anything outside that list. Despite recommendations from friends and family, he would stick with his convictions. Nothing anyone said would convince him to venture out, proving just how unwavering he was.
• The history professor's opinionatedness, though sometimes frustrating, also made her lectures engaging. She presented complex topics with a clear bias, encouraging students to critically evaluate her perspective, but she gave a rich context and historical understanding. Though some disliked her methods, she always emphasized examining viewpoints critically, and her approach sparked lively discussions which resulted in students forming their own opinions.