noun
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.
「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.
A general word for an opinion; 持論 is specifically a view one personally holds or repeatedly advocates.
Emphasizes an assertion or claim being argued for; 持論 emphasizes that the view is the person's own established theory or belief.
A more formal or modest expression for one's personal view; 持論 can sound more like a favored or long-held theory.
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.