Have you ever noticed this...?

Question

Do you think that sometimes people get the words "opinionated" and "judgmental" confused? Do you think there's a difference?

I ask not because of something that happened here on Y/A but something a friend said to me the other day about someone else (I thought the "someone else" was opinionated, but my friend took them to be judgmental) but I think it happens here a lot too. Personally, I think there is a HUGE difference.

Thanks, Willie. I'd missed your post. Same question!

I think it can be a nice thing if a person is opinionated. Makes for interesting conversation.

Answer 1

Everybody perceives the connotations of words differently, especially when there's no non-verbal communication available to clarify here on the internet. You could say something rather matter-of-factly and have it perceived by someone as being "judgemental". I'd simply used a quote by a noted philosopher at a website I frequented and was accused of being judgemental... how they figured that I'll never know, considering the words I quoted weren't mine. Goes to show you how people interpret things through the lens of their own causes and conditions in life, thereby projecting their own mental states on just about everything around them... unless of course they've cultivated a mind free of such things.

_()_

Answer 2

"opinion" is a noun and the Definition is:

1.a belief or judgement that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty.

"judgement" is a noun and the Definition is:
1.the ability to judge, make a decision, or form an opinion objectively, authoritatively, and wisely, esp. in matters affecting action; good sense; discretion.

Therefore an "opinion" is a belief and a "judgement" is when you form an opinion objectively and wisely.

Either way .... most people who tell about their lives don't want opinions or judgements ..... all they want is an EAR to listen! So sometimes it's best to say nothing at all ... simply validate what they have said.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

Yes you form an opinion about something or someone which leads to judging them , an opinion is never right or wrong only a fact is right , so therefore you can only judge properly once you have all the facts , a court of law deals with fact not opinion , I hope this sounds OK!

Answer 4

Sure do think there is a difference. Opinionated is when you simply express your thoughts and views...judgemental is when you think or look down on people if they do not share the same views as you! Take the origins of the words...opinion and judge...

Answer 5

I think "judgmental" is aimed more personally, condemning someone or something. "Opinionated" is simply someone who believes he or she is always right and keeps saying so.

Answer 6

Very often. We are all opinionated but we are not all judgemental, meaning, passing judgement on others regardless of their beliefs or opinions.

Answer 7

Yep, I did a post about that:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=A9FJujJpVdtFA1EAmADsy6IX?qid=20070210211528AAkeId6

Answer 8

maybe it's me but they both have a rather negative context.