influence — the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɪnfluəns/
Example Sentences
- My cat has more social media influence than most politicians.
- The teacher's encouragement had a lasting influence on her career choice.
- Don't let peer pressure influence your decisions about what pizza toppings to choose.
influence
NOUN[/ˈɪnfluəns/]
the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something
Parents and teachers can strongly influence a child's future.
Music can influence emotions in powerful ways. (IMPACT + CHANGE = INFLUENCE → influence means creating change through impact on others)
"Under their influence, we lose our innocence — buying things that make no sense."
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'influentia', meaning 'an flowing in' or 'inflow', derived from the verb 'influere' (to flow into). The term originally referred to an invisible fluid thought to flow from the stars and affect human affairs.
Breakdown
in- (in, into) + fluere (to flow) + -ence (noun suffix) = influence (the act of flowing in or effect on something)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat has more social media influence than most politicians.”
“The teacher's encouragement had a lasting influence on her career choice.”
“Don't let peer pressure influence your decisions about what pizza toppings to choose.”
“The book influenced my perspective on environmental issues.”
📚Related Words
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