Influence
/ˈɪnfluəns/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways.
/ˈɪnfluəns/
The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
Her parents had a strong influence on her career choices.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a friend who's always giving you advice – their influence is the power they have to change your decisions or the things you do. For example, a celebrity's influence is their power to make people buy products.
👶 For kids: It's like when your older sibling tells you to do something, and you do it! It's the power someone or something has to change how you act or feel.
More Examples
The media plays a significant influence in shaping public opinion.
The teacher's positive influence helped the student improve her grades.
How It's Used
"The lobby group exerted significant influence on the senator's vote."
"Peer pressure is a strong influence on adolescent behavior."
"Marketing campaigns aim to create a positive influence on consumer buying habits."
To affect or modify someone or something.
/ˈɪnfluəns/
The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
The scandal will likely influence the upcoming election.
💡 Simply: It's about trying to change someone's actions or ideas, like when you try to convince your parents to let you go to a party. You're trying to influence them!
👶 For kids: To make someone or something change. Like when you tell your friend to play with you, you're trying to influence them!
More Examples
The teacher's words influenced the student's perspective on the subject.
She tried to influence her friend to quit smoking.
How It's Used
"He attempted to influence the jury's decision with biased information."
"Advertisements are designed to influence consumer behavior."
"Reading inspiring books can influence your mindset."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under the influence
Affected by alcohol or drugs.
"He was arrested for driving under the influence."
From Late Latin *influere* 'to flow in', from *in-* 'in' + *fluere* 'to flow'. Initially used in astrology, referring to the supposed flow of ethereal fluid from the stars affecting earthly events. Later broadened to encompass the impact of any person or thing.
Initially used in astrology to describe the effects of celestial bodies on human affairs; then expanded to encompass a broader sense of impact and control.
Memory tip
Imagine a river (influence) slowly shaping the riverbank (behavior).
Word Origin
"to flow in"