Origin: Latin suffix -ence
Influence has 10 different meanings across 2 categories:
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
"used her parents' influence to get the job"
causing something without any direct or apparent effort
"The subtle arrangement of the room's lighting seemed to influence everyone into speaking more calmly without anyone actually trying to change their moods."
a cognitive factor that tends to have an effect on what you do
"her wishes had a great influence on his thinking"
one having power to influence another
"she was the most important influence in my life"
"he was a bad influence on the children"
The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.
"The manager's steady advice gave her enough influence to steer the team away from their impulsive decision and toward a more careful plan."
In plain English: Influence is the power to change how someone thinks or acts.
"Your positive attitude has a great influence on everyone in the team."
Usage: Use "influence" as a noun to describe the power or capacity to have an effect on someone's character, choices, or the course of events. It refers to the subtle force that shapes outcomes rather than direct command or control.
To have an effect on by using gentle or subtle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce.
"Her quiet encouragement gradually influenced him to pursue a career in art rather than business."
In plain English: To influence someone is to change what they think or do without forcing them directly.
"The teacher's positive words influenced the student to work harder."
Usage: Use "influence" when you mean to gently sway someone's thoughts or actions without forcing them. It describes a subtle power that modifies behavior rather than a direct command.
The word influence comes from the Old French term for an "emanation from the stars affecting one's fate." It ultimately derives from the Latin verb meaning "to flow into," reflecting its original sense of something flowing in to affect a person.