influence
UK[ˈɪn.flu.əns]US[ˈɪn.flu.əns]
n
The power to affect how someone thinks or behaves, or how something develops.
v
To have an effect on the way someone thinks or behaves, or on the way something develops.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
flu
ence
in
in, into, on
flu
to flow
ence
Etymology
The word 'influence' originates from the Medieval Latin term influentia, which itself is derived from the classical Latin verb influere, meaning 'to flow in'. This concept was rooted in the ancient astrological belief that a fluid or ethereal power from the stars 'flowed into' and affected human character and destiny. Over time, the term was secularized, shedding its astrological context while retaining the core metaphorical idea of an unseen force flowing in and causing an effect. Thus, the literal notion of an 'inflowing' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of the capacity to produce effects on people, events, or things.
Analysis
Structure: in + flu + ence
- in: Latin origin, meaning 'in, into, on'. A prefix indicating inward direction or position.
- flu: From Latin fluere, meaning 'to flow'. A root element representing the concept of flowing.
- ence: Latin suffix -entia, forming nouns of state or quality. In English, it denotes an action, state, or quality.
Examples
Her parents had a great influence on her early career choices.
The book was deeply influenced by the author's travels in Asia.
He used his influence to get the project approved.