influence
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in·flu·ence (in′flo̵̅o̅ əns, in flo̵̅o̅′əns)
noun
- Astrol. the flowing of an ethereal fluid or power from the stars, thought to affect people's character and actions
- the power of persons or things to affect others, seen only in its effects
- the action or effect of such power
- the ability of a person or group to produce effects indirectly by means of power based on wealth, high position, etc.
- a person or thing that has influence
- Elec. the effect of an external field
Etymology: OFr < ML influentia, a flowing in < L influens, prp. of influere, to flow in < -in, in + fluere, to flow: see fluctuate
transitive verb influenced -·enced, influencing -·enc·ing
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Alternate definitions:
influence
n.
Attraction
sway, spell, magnetism; see attraction 1.Power to influence others
control, weight, authority, supremacy, command, domination, leadership, power, leverage, prerogative, esteem, monopoly, rule, sway, hold, fame, prominence, prestige, character, reputation, force, impact, importance, significance, connections, power behind the throne*, clout*, juice*, pull*; see also impact 2, leadership 1, power 2.
influence implies the power of persons or things (whether or not exerted consciously or overtly) to affect others used his influence to get elected; authority implies the power to command acceptance, belief, obedience, etc., based on strength of character, expertness of knowledge, etc. a statement made on good authority; prestige implies the power to command esteem or admiration, based on brilliance of achievement or outstanding superiority; weight implies influence that is more or less preponderant in its effect his viewpoint had great weight with his colleagues
influence
v.
Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Preposition: of
- alcohol: No one under the influence of alcohol will be allowed to sail.
Object
- decision: Analyzing the status of various client groups can influence decisions on whether to begin new groups or focus on capacity building of existing groups.
Converse of object
- exert: First, whether it can move beyond the role of passive recipient of management information to exert active influence over company policy.
Adjective modifier
- undue: Knowledge and approval; effect of undue influence, suspicious circumstances, fraud, mistake.
Noun used with modifier
- jazz: Franks for his use of jazz influences to compliment his excellent lyric content and King for writing some of the great soul classics.
The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.
A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.
She had a womanly instinct that clothes possess an influence more powerful over many than the worth of character or the magic of manners.
The British'Sphere of Influence'öthe cricket ball.
Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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MLA Style
"influence." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009
- Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
- <www.yourdictionary.com/influence>
APA Style
influence. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary
- Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/influence
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