1 Meaning of Public Opinion in General: Public opinion is generally understood as the opinion of public, common people or the voice of the people. But public exactly does not mean people. There is no single public. In fact, there are several 'public'. The total people as a whole do not constitute one single homogeneous public, having similar views or opinion. The public is not a fixed body of individuals. The term public means a section of society, sharing common interests. It holds similar views and opinions on matters of public concern.

2. Public Opinion means the opinion of Majority in Democracy: It is therefore not necessary that public opinion will be the opinion of all the people. It is not even the opinion of the majority. As there are many publics, there are also different opinions. Different problems, issues and concerns, and hence they form different opinions. Public opinion necessarily reflects diversity of opinion.

3. It is not only private nor an expert's opinion: It is also important to understand that public opinion is not the opinion of an individual, though he or she may be a highly respected person. It is not a private opinion. It is also not an expert opinion, irrespective of the wisdom of the expert. Public opinion is an organised and considered opinion of a section or many sections of the people on any public issue or concern. It is genuinely both public and opinion. It is neither a propaganda nor a public relations exercise.