influence
To affect or change the way someone behaves, thinks, or develops. It can also describe the power to change how something happens or works.
Examples
3 of 5My older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.
My older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.
The committee's report will likely influence the final decision.
The committee's report will likely influence the final decision.
Don't let the weather influence your mood today!
Don't let the weather influence your mood today!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'In-Flow-Ence'. Imagine an idea 'flowing into' someone's head to change their mind.
Quick Quiz
The teacher's kind words ______ the student to work harder.
Correct!
The correct answer is: influenced
Examples
My older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.
everydayMy older sister influenced me to start playing the guitar.
The committee's report will likely influence the final decision.
formalThe committee's report will likely influence the final decision.
Don't let the weather influence your mood today!
informalDon't let the weather influence your mood today!
Researchers are studying how environment can influence brain development.
academicResearchers are studying how environment can influence brain development.
Our marketing strategy is designed to influence consumer behavior.
businessOur marketing strategy is designed to influence consumer behavior.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
under the influence
under the influence
a good influence
a good influence
exert influence
exert influence
Often Confused With
Affect is the general act of making a change, while influence often implies a more gradual or psychological power over someone's choices.
Usage Notes
The word functions as both a noun and a verb with the same spelling. It is a transitive verb, meaning it is followed directly by an object without a preposition.
Common Mistakes
A frequent error is adding 'on' after the verb (e.g., 'He influenced on me' is incorrect; it should be 'He influenced me').
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'In-Flow-Ence'. Imagine an idea 'flowing into' someone's head to change their mind.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'influere', which means 'to flow into', originally referring to the power of stars to affect human destiny.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern English, the noun 'influencer' specifically refers to people on social media who have the power to affect the buying habits of others.
Quick Quiz
The teacher's kind words ______ the student to work harder.
Correct!
The correct answer is: influenced
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
inautoency
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ancarny
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tripendward
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synacrness
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unmalance
C1A state of persistent or structural lack of equilibrium, specifically when this lack of balance leads to a detrimental or inefficient outcome. It is often used in technical or test-specific environments to describe systems where the distribution of elements is intentionally or erroneously skewed.
comtermness
C1To engage in the process of establishing common terminology or shared linguistic understanding within a specific group. It involves negotiating and refining definitions to ensure all parties are aligned on technical concepts.
semifinism
C1Relating to a state of partial completion or an intermediate stage in a process where a final goal is reached in function but not in form. It describes something that is operational yet lacks the definitive polish or finality of a completed work.
revaltion
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bifugcy
C1To divide or branch into two distinct, often divergent paths or outcomes, typically used in contexts involving complex decision-making or evolutionary processes. It implies a definitive split where the resulting entities develop independently and no longer overlap.
intravictship
C1Describing the internal relations, dynamics, or psychological states that exist within a group sharing a common victory or high-status achievement. It refers specifically to the nuances of interaction between members who are part of the same successful collective.
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