Influence
IN-floo-uns
/ˈɪn.flu.əns/
The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Can be subtle and indirect, unlike direct orders or legal compulsion.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'influentia' (an in-flowing). Originally an astrological term referring to invisible ethereal power flowing down from stars into human bodies to alter destiny. By the 16th century, it took on its modern political meaning.
Word relationships
- sway: Sway emphasizes moving emotions or opinions, while influence covers all forms of effect.
- leverage: Leverage involves strategic advantage, whereas influence can be purely soft or informal power.
- impotence: Complete lack of power or capacity to affect results.
- ineffectiveness: Inability to produce a desired effect.
Commonly confused with
- authority: Authority is formal legal right to command, while influence is the informal power to persuade.
Word family
- influential (adjective): Having great influence.
- influencer (noun): A person with power to affect decisions of others.
Collocations
- political influence
- exert influence
- undue influence
- sphere of influence
Idioms & expressions
- pull strings
- sway opinions
Example sentences
- "Think tanks exert substantial influence over economic policy through research reports." Public policy
- "Money can buy access, but public passion retains immense political influence." Political dynamics
Memory hook
IN + FLUence: power FLOWING INTO someone's mind. An invisible power flowing to shape outcomes.
When not to use
Do not use when describing mandatory legal commands or physical force.
Fun facts
- The disease name 'influenza' (flu) comes from the same root, as it was once believed caused by harmful celestial influences.
Related words
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