influence
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɪnfluəns/
KK: /ˈɪnfluəns/
noun
Definition
The power or ability to affect someone or something in a way that changes them or their situation.
Example
Her kindness had a positive influence on the children.
Conversation
Have you noticed how much of an influence social media has on us?
Definitely! It shapes our opinions without us even realizing it.
Yeah, I sometimes worry about the influence it has on young people.
It's a valid concern, especially with so much misinformation out there.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
impact
sway
authority
Antonyms
powerlessness
impotence
ineffectiveness
transitive verb
Definition
To have an effect on someone or something, often in a subtle or indirect way.
Example
Her speech was able to influence the audience's opinion on the matter.
Tense Forms
Past: influenced
Past Participle: influenced
Conversation
Have you noticed how much social media can influence people's opinions?
Absolutely! It's amazing how quickly trends can change.
Right? I sometimes wonder if it influences my own thoughts too.
Root Explanation
Influence is derived from "in-" (meaning into) and "fluere" (meaning to flow). The word describes the act of flowing into someone or something, thereby affecting or shaping it.
Memory Tip
Think of something 'flowing into' ('fluere') another, which helps you remember that 'influence' means to affect or shape something.
Visually Confused Words
reinfluence
uninfluenced
preinfluence
noninfluence
malinfluence
interfluence
diffluence
confluence