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The earliest known use of influence in English referred to a flowing power coming from what?

influence

[in-floo-uhns] / ˈɪn flu əns /




Usage

What are other ways to say influence? Influence is a personal and unofficial power derived from deference of others to one's character, ability, or station; it may be exerted unconsciously or may operate through persuasion: to have influence over one's friends. Authority is a power or right, usually because of rank or office, to issue commands and to punish for violations: to have authority over subordinates. Control is either power or influence applied to the complete and successful direction or manipulation of persons or things: to be in control of a project. 

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Kang noted the influence of South Korean dramas smuggled in on USB drives, finding them "so refreshing and more credible than North Korea state propaganda".

From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026

The zones of economic power and influence in prior generations was closely tied to the widespread diffusion of leading technological innovations of the day, including telecommunications and electrification.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 28, 2026

Scientists at APC Microbiome Ireland, a research center at University College Cork, investigated in detail how coffee may influence communication between the digestive system and the brain.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 28, 2026

In a candid interview, bestselling author John Green opens up about his latest novel, ‘Hollywood, Ending,’ the influence of Andy Warhol on his work and building a narrative world without a visual mind.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026

“I tell you, Miss Lumley, lately my life has been one dramatic plot twist after another! You’re a good influence, I must say—all of you.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

"This study can help us understand more about why cancer develops in cats and humans, how the world around us influences cancer risk, and possibly find new ways to prevent and treat it," says Wood.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026

The one-year LPR influences most corporate and household loans, while the five-year rate is a benchmark for mortgages.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

"I think we're forced to feel more American simply by the influences that we have," Stainton added.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

Wedekind and Kafka would seem to be bigger influences than Beckett and Ionesco.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

Over the centuries that followed, there were two key influences on the way rhetoric developed: Christianity and the written word.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

Another session focused on writing letters to outer space, an act influenced by the race to the moon.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 28, 2026

In other words, it may provide a useful window into the more active part of the phosphorus cycle that is influenced by microbial life.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 27, 2026

But the Black Ferns refused to go away and continued to trouble England's defence, which is now being influenced by coaching consultant Shaun Edwards.

From BBC ● Sep. 26, 2026

Here are five charts and tables demonstrating rising prices influenced Americans’ budgets:

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

Is it really such an admirable trait not to let myself be influenced by others?

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

Isabel Wang explained how the global oil market has become the most important factor influencing the stock and bond markets.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026

The current El Niño, which is already at near-record levels, is one of several factors influencing the outlook.

From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026

A neutral ratio of 1.0 points to churn, where neither buyers or sellers are influencing the stock.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 7, 2026

The solar system's movement through the Milky Way may have exposed Earth to changing interstellar environments capable of influencing its climate.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 2, 2026

That proud image ignores the role that slavery played in influencing some people’s attitudes about the war.

From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis




Vocabulary lists containing influence


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