cherished opinion; pet theory; personal view
Refers to an opinion, theory, or argument that someone personally holds and often advances. It can be neutral, but may imply a favorite or well-worn view the person likes to state.
彼は会議で持論を展開した。
He laid out his own theory at the meeting.
He always states his pet theory at meetings.
「早起きが成功の秘訣だ」というのが父の持論だ。
My father's pet theory is that getting up early is the secret to success.
The professor elaborated on his own pet theory.
He didn't back down from his pet theory even when opposed.
She stuck to her pet theory to the very end.
主張 emphasizes the act of asserting or arguing a claim, whereas 持論 emphasizes that the view is the person's own established theory.
私見 is a more formal, modest way to present a personal view, while 持論 can sound like a favored or long-held theory the speaker likes to advocate.
Standard and common kanji spelling; high priority.
Irregular kanji variant; less standard than 持論 and mainly useful for recognition or search.
A Sino-Japanese compound written with 持, associated with holding or maintaining, and 論, meaning argument, theory, or discussion. The irregular variant 自論 uses 自, associated with oneself, but 持論 is the standard spelling.