What does influence mean?
Influence is the power one person, institution, or idea has to shape another person's decisions, behavior, or the course of events. As a noun it names this power, while as a verb it means to exert such power, especially through persuasion, example, advice, prestige, or circumstance. The word often implies an indirect effect: someone influences an outcome without necessarily determining it outright. It is common in political, academic, and social contexts, as in “have influence over” and “exercise influence.” Depending on context it can be neutral praise of persuasive power or imply improper pressure. “Under the influence of alcohol” is a familiar medical phrase, and negative expressions such as “undue influence” suggest covert or excessive control. The Latin roots behind the word picture it as something flowing inward, an image that shaped both its history and its broad metaphorical reach.
The power to affect or shape someone's behavior, opinions, decisions, or actions; also authority or sway arising from a position, reputation, or personal qualities.
"The newspaper had considerable influence on political opinion in the region."
Often used as an uncountable noun for power in general, though “influences” can refer to separate sources or forms of influence.
To affect or shape someone's behavior, choices, or actions, especially through persuasion, example, advice, or circumstance.
"The evidence strongly influenced the jury's assessment of the case."
The verb is common in formal and informal registers and often describes an indirect rather than an absolute effect.
“Influence” is usually uncountable when referring to power generally; the plural denotes distinct sources, persons, or forms of influence.
"The film examines how celebrities exert separate influences on public opinion."
Before influence meant power over people, its Latin ancestor meant “a flowing in”—the origin of both the social power we wield and the flu we catch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does influence come from?
The English word came through French from Latin influentia, meaning “a flowing in” or “influence,” which was derived from influere, “to flow in,” from fluere, “to flow.” The Latin verb influere also underlies influx and, through Italian, influenza; related Latin forms include influent and confluent. In early English, the word's metaphorical sense developed from the idea of an inward flow to the power one person or thing exerts over another.
Related word forms
How influence is actually used
The word is neutral in most contexts but can suggest improper or excessive pressure in expressions such as “undue influence” or “influence peddling.” “Influence” is usually uncountable when referring to power in general; the plural is used for distinct sources or forms of influence.
Easily confused with influence
Influence is the power or action that produces an effect, whereas an effect is the resulting change or outcome.