influence

/ˈɪnfluəns/

Say it: IN-floo-ens

1. noun The power to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
Her parents worried about the bad influence of her new friends.
2. verb To have an effect on the way someone or something develops, behaves, or thinks, often in a subtle or indirect way.
The documentary greatly influenced my decision to become a vegetarian.
3. noun A person or thing with the capacity to have a powerful effect on someone or something.
My grandmother was the biggest influence in my life.

📖 Seen in the wild

Her early experiences had a profound influence on her later career choices.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ influence in a sentence

The lobbyist's campaign contributions were seen as an attempt to gain influence with lawmakers.
He used his influence to secure a better deal for the community.
The study aims to measure the influence of socioeconomic status on educational attainment.
Don't let one bad experience influence your opinion of the entire city.
He remained under the influence of his former mentor for years.
The design of the building shows a clear Japanese influence.
As a senior manager, she has considerable influence over the company's direction.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

effect impact sway power leverage control authority clout

effect · focuses more on the result or consequence of an action.

impact · suggests a more powerful, direct, and often sudden effect.

sway · implies control over opinions or actions, often through persuasion or charm.

power · is a broader term for the general ability to direct or affect things.

Opposites: powerlessness, insignificance, impotence

🌱 Where it comes from

The word flows from the Latin 'influentia', meaning 'a flowing in'. It was originally an astrological term describing a supposed ethereal fluid from the stars that affected human character and destiny. Over time, it lost its mystical connection to the cosmos but kept its core idea of a subtle, non-physical force that shapes outcomes.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

have an influence onunder the influence ofa major influencepolitical influenceexert influencea positive/negative influence

While 'influence' and 'affect' are similar, they are not perfect substitutes. 'Influence' often implies a more gradual or indirect shaping of thought or character, whereas 'affect' typically refers to producing a more immediate change or emotional response. Be mindful that the phrase 'under the influence' is almost exclusively used to mean intoxicated, so in other contexts, it's clearer to say 'influenced by'.

Word family: influential, influencer

💬 Quick answers

What does influence mean in simple terms?

It's the power to affect people or events, often without using direct force. It can be a person, like a role model, or a force, like social pressure.

What's the difference between 'influence' and 'affect'?

'Influence' is often a broader, more gradual power to shape opinions or development. 'Affect' is a verb meaning to produce a more direct change or emotional response. A person's influence can affect your decisions.

What does it mean to be 'under the influence'?

In everyday language, this phrase almost always means being intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. In other contexts, you must specify what the influence is, such as 'under the influence of a particular philosophy'.

Is 'influence' a formal word?

'Influence' is a neutral word. It is perfectly suitable for both formal situations, like academic papers, and informal, everyday conversations.

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