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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:

"We are in a good dynamic, we play well, we score goals, but the Clasico is different. What we have done before has no influence," he said.

From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2026

The study, led by USC Leonard Davis Instructional Associate Professor of Gerontology Roberto Vicinanza, offers a possible explanation for how everyday food choices influence cellular health and the aging process.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 25, 2026

If words consistently reflect a preference for safety, that tendency may influence how stories are told, how information spreads, and how people interpret events and experiences.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026

Meanwhile, Jupiter's influence may have limited the movement of larger particles, leaving the asteroid's parent material dominated by fine dust.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026

The Madisonian influence revealed itself in the House debate of March 23 when the committee report came up for a vote.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

These findings strengthened the evidence that MTCH2 influences whole-body metabolism, rather than simply changing the behavior of isolated cells.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 24, 2026

Religious students and their rabbis believe that if young ultra-Orthodox men enter the military, they will be exposed to influences and behaviours that may decisively turn them away from their community.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

Fiercely proud of its culinary traditions, India is increasingly open to foreign influences, with French cooking schools attracting students eager to make their mark on the country's growing fine-dining sector.

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2026

A cooperative CEO likely influences firm performance because he or she “can mobilize expertise and navigate complex organizations,” says Cai.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

Near Eastern influences began to spread to the northern shore of the Mediterranean.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

The coastal flooding in the next few days is expected to be different than earlier rounds, which were heavily influenced by powerful swells from the remnants of hurricanes Marie and Rachel.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 24, 2026

He said he hasn’t been influenced by perks, which have included wine tastings and steak dinners, to add investment products.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026

They are constantly influenced by gravity, stellar explosions, black holes, and interactions with neighboring systems.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 20, 2026

His environmental interests have also influenced his music.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

“The mother influenced her,” said the first judge.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan

National Council for Voluntary Organisations' chief influencing officer Leigh Brimicombe said the current financial climate was "tough" for charity organisations.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

Elevated shipping costs are also influencing oil-price forecasts.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

“Costume designers have long been overlooked for the importance of their work in creating and influencing mainstream contemporary fashion,” fellow fashion designer Tom Ford told The Times in a 2019 email.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026

Rather than influencing resilience alone, diet and lifestyle may support psychological flexibility, which in turn helps people manage stress more effectively.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026

But if the planets could determine the destinies of nations, how could they avoid influencing what will happen to me tomorrow?

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan


Vocabulary lists containing influence

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