influence

influence — noun

1. the power to change what people think, how they act, or the way something develo

1.nounB1
Definition

the power to change what people think, how they act, or the way something develops; also anyone or anything that produces such an effect

Example

Beatriz's father was the strongest influence on her choice of career.

collocation: strong influence + on

Yan grew up with parents who loved books, and that influence stayed with her.

possessive: someone's influence

Common collocations
  • strong influence
  • positive influence
  • negative influence
  • major influence
  • lasting influence
  • have influence over
  • under the influence of
Synonyms
  • impact

    suggests a single noticeable effect rather than ongoing shaping power

  • authority

    implies formal or official power, not just the ability to affect

  • sway

    more literary and suggests emotional or persuasive power

  • weight

    informal; suggests importance in decisions or opinions

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

have + influence + on/over + noun phrase

a/an + adjective + influence + on + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often followed by 'on', 'over', or 'upon' to indicate who or what is affected. When used with an adjective and indefinite article ('a strong influence', 'a positive influence'), it can refer to a person.

Common Mistakes

The weather had influence in our plans.
The weather had an influence on our plans.
use 'on', not 'in', after 'influence'.
His words influenced to me.
His words had an influence on me.
when using the noun form, use 'have an influence on'.

2. the quiet or gradual ability to shape someone's choices, beliefs, or actions wit

2.nounB2
Definition

the quiet or gradual ability to shape someone's choices, beliefs, or actions without using direct force or authority

Example

Through the quiet influence of her grandmother, Meera began to enjoy cooking traditional dishes.

collocation: quiet / subtle influence

The influence of online reviews on where people eat has grown enormously.

pattern: the influence of [sth] on [sth]

Common collocations
  • subtle influence
  • steady influence
  • quiet influence
  • the influence of
  • under the influence of
  • through the influence of
Synonyms
  • pull

    informal; suggests personal or political pressure

  • leverage

    suggests influence used strategically to gain an advantage

Grammar Patterns

the + influence + of + noun phrase

through/by + the + influence + of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1, this sense does not refer to a person ('a good influence'). It stays abstract, focusing on the indirect mechanism of shaping. Frequently appears in 'under the influence of' (without the drunk meaning) and 'by the influence of'.

Idioms

under the influence (of alcohol)

idiom

in a state where alcohol has affected your ability to think or move normally

The police stopped the driver because he was clearly under the influence of alcohol.

When the warehouse foreman smelled alcohol on Samir's breath, he sent him home — forklift operators must never work while under the influence.

influence peddling

idiom

the illegal or dishonest use of one's power or connections to gain money or advantages

Several politicians were investigated for influence peddling in the construction contract case.

under the influence

idiom

This phrase describes a state where a person has drunk too much alcohol.

Maya was arrested for driving under the influence last night.

Did the police officer suspect he was under the influence?

influence — verb

Word family

  • influential
    adjectiveB2
  • influencer
    nounB2
  • influenceable
    adjectiveC1
  • uninfluenced
    adjectiveC1
  • uninfluential
    adjectiveC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe causing a change, but they differ in directness and duration. 'Affect' is the broadest and most neutral — it can describe any kind of change, from emotional ('the news affected her mood') to physical ('the cold affected the plants'). 'Influence' suggests a slower, more gradual process that works below the surface, often without force. 'Sway' is more emotional and temporary, like winning someone over in a debate or through charisma. 'Shape' implies active formation over time, as in 'teachers shape young minds.' Use 'influence' when the change is subtle and lasting, 'sway' when it involves persuasion, and 'shape' when something is being actively formed. For example: 'The documentary influenced public opinion gradually' vs. 'The lawyer swayed the jury with her closing statement.'

affect ↗influence ↗swayshape ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • have an influence on
  • be influenced by
  • come under the influence of
  • wield influence
  • exert influence
  • use one's influence

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'influence' comes from Latin 'influentia', meaning 'a flowing in,' built from 'in-' (into) and 'fluere' (to flow). In medieval astrology, it described the supposed flow of a mysterious fluid from the stars that shaped people's lives and characters. Over time the meaning broadened from this heavenly force to any subtle power that shapes human behaviour, decisions, or events.