influence
The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.
Noun 4 meanings
The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.
“I have absolutely no influence over him.”
An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.
“I'm not able to exercise influence over him.”
A person or thing exerting such power or action.
“He has been a great influence on the voters during the elections.”
An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.
Verb 2 meanings
To have an effect on by using gentle or subtle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce.
“The politician wants to influence the public.”
To exert, make use of one's influence.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English influence, from Old French influence, borrowed from Medieval Latin īnfluentia, from Latin īnfluēns + -ia. Doublet of influenza.
Similar and opposite words
INFLUENCE at a glance
INFLUENCE has 9 letters and scores 14 points in Scrabble (I 1 + N 1 + F 4 + L 1 + U 1 + E 1 + N 1 + C 3 + E 1) and 19 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #1,679 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with influence
All rhymes- SINCE7
- ONCE6
- EXPERIENCE21
- CHANCE13
- PERFORMANCE20
- EVIDENCE14
- SCIENCE11
- CONFERENCE17
- DIFFERENCE19
- INSURANCE11
- DANCE8
- DISTANCE11
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