noun
influence
IHN-floo-uhns
noun
1
The power to affect how someone or something develops, behaves, or thinks.
"Her teacher had a huge influence on her decision to study medicine."
"Social media has a growing influence on young people's opinions."
verb
1
To affect or change someone's thinking, behavior, or development.
"Advertising is designed to influence what we buy."
How to Use Influence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ability to shape or change something, or the act of doing so.
Common pairings
under the influence
influence on
exert influence
Word Forms
influenced past tense, influences plural, influences singular
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Her teacher had a huge _____ on her decision to study medicine.
Etymology
From Old French influence, originally "an emanation from the stars affecting fate," from Latin influere, "to flow into." A doublet of influenza.