influence
/ˈɪnfluəns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪnfluəns/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈin-ˌflü-ən(t)s especially Southern in-ˈflü-/ (ame, mw) · /ˈɪn.flu.əns/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɪn.flu.əns/ (ame, ipa)
influence — noun
- influencesingular
- influencesplural
1. the power to change what people think, how they act, or the way something develo
the power to change what people think, how they act, or the way something develops; also anyone or anything that produces such an effect
Beatriz's father was the strongest influence on her choice of career.
collocation: strong influence + on
Yan grew up with parents who loved books, and that influence stayed with her.
possessive: someone's influence
The music of the 1960s had a lasting influence on modern pop culture worldwide.
A good teacher can be a positive influence on students for many years.
Television has lost much of its influence over how people get their news.
- insignificance
the state of having no power to affect anything
文法句型
have + influence + on/over + noun phrase
a/an + adjective + influence + on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by 'on', 'over', or 'upon' to indicate who or what is affected. When used with an adjective and indefinite article ('a strong influence', 'a positive influence'), it can refer to a person.
常見錯誤
2. the quiet or gradual ability to shape someone's choices, beliefs, or actions wit
the quiet or gradual ability to shape someone's choices, beliefs, or actions without using direct force or authority
Through the quiet influence of her grandmother, Meera began to enjoy cooking traditional dishes.
collocation: quiet / subtle influence
The influence of online reviews on where people eat has grown enormously.
pattern: the influence of [sth] on [sth]
Under the influence of a skilled coach, the team completely changed its playing style.
A child's habits are formed partly through the steady influence of family routines.
文法句型
the + influence + of + noun phrase
through/by + the + influence + of + noun phrase
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, this sense does not refer to a person ('a good influence'). It stays abstract, focusing on the indirect mechanism of shaping. Frequently appears in 'under the influence of' (without the drunk meaning) and 'by the influence of'.
influence — verb
- influencepresent simple I / you / we / they
- influences3rd person singular
- influencing-ing form
- influencedpast simple
1. to change the way someone thinks, behaves, or the direction in which something d
to change the way someone thinks, behaves, or the direction in which something develops, often in a gradual or indirect way
The rising cost of living influenced Christopher's decision to move to a smaller city.
pattern: influence + someone's decision
Salma's travels through Southeast Asia influenced the way she decorates her home.
pattern: influence + the way + clause
The committee's final choice was heavily influenced by public feedback from local residents.
Parents often influence their children's attitudes towards money without realising it.
The local climate strongly influences which crops farmers can grow in this region.
文法句型
influence + noun phrase
influence + how/where/what/whether + clause
be influenced by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Unlike 'affect', which can be neutral or negative, 'influence' often suggests a longer-term, more gradual process. Frequently used in the passive ('be influenced by'). Subject can be a person, an event, a condition, or an idea.
常見錯誤
2. to create videos, posts, or other online content regularly so that it shapes wha
to create videos, posts, or other online content regularly so that it shapes what a large audience thinks, buys, or admires
Vinícius influences his followers by sharing daily fitness routines on YouTube.
pattern: influence + followers by + -ing
Big brands now pay popular creators to influence what teenagers spend their money on.
Astrid started a lifestyle blog to influence people to adopt more sustainable habits.
Ife's weekly cooking videos influence thousands of viewers to try dishes from West Africa.
文法句型
influence + noun phrase (followers/audience/consumers)
用法筆記
This modern sense is tied to the 'influencer' economy. The object is typically an audience ('followers', 'consumers', 'viewers') rather than a single person. Common in marketing and social media contexts.