Influence Influenced ˈɪnfluəns Strongly Government People Latin Verb

• his writings have influenced the lives of millions.
• to be strongly influenced by something
• don't let me influence you either way.
• the government refuses to be influenced by public opinion.

influence

1. to have an effect on the way that somebody behaves or thinks, especially by giving them an example to follow
• His writings have influenced the lives of millions.
• to be strongly influenced by something
• Don't let me influence you either way.
• The government refuses to be influenced by public opinion.
• Research shows that most young smokers are influenced by their friends.
• I don’t want to influence you. It must be your own decision.
• The wording of questions can influence how people answer.
• She was influenced to take up voluntary work by her teacher.
2. to have an effect on a particular situation and the way that it develops
• A number of social factors influence life expectancy.
• The local climate is influenced by the Gulf Stream.

Extra Examples

• Attitudes are highly influenced by cultural background.
• Be aware of external factors which may unduly influence your judgement.
• He was naive and easily influenced by his friends.
• Her parents tried to influence her in her choice of university.
• Pressure from industry bosses has directly influenced government policy.
• This book influenced her profoundly.
• We do not seek to influence the decision-making process.
• actions that positively influence health
• seeking to influence university appointments
• At college she met the two people who most influenced her artistic career.
• It’s your decision. Don’t let me influence you either way.
• The speed at which you eat strongly influences how much you want to eat.
• The wording of the question can influence how people answer.
• Understaffing can adversely influence the recovery of patients.

Verb Forms

• present simple I / you / we / they influence
• he / she / it influences
• past simple influenced
• past participle influenced
• -ing form influencing

Word Origin

• late Middle English: from Old French, or from medieval Latin influentia ‘inflow’, from Latin influere, from in- ‘into’ + fluere ‘to flow’. The word originally had the general sense ‘an influx, flowing matter’, also specifically (in astrology) ‘the flowing in of ethereal fluid (affecting human destiny)’. The current sense was established in Scholastic Latin by the 13th cent., but not recorded in English until the late 16th cent.