Influenced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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influenced

[หˆษชn.flu.ษ™nst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social media

To have an effect on someone or something, or to change the way they think, behave, or develop.

Synonyms

affect, impact, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
influenced

Often used when referring to how someone's thoughts, behaviors, or decisions have been swayed or guided by someone or something else.

  • Her decisions were heavily influenced by her mentor.
  • He has been influenced by the cultural diversity of the city.
affect

Typically used when discussing how something causes a change or has an effect, often in a more general or subtle way.

  • The news of the disaster deeply affected him.
  • This law will affect millions of people.
impact

Used when describing a strong, often significant influence or effect on something or someone.

  • The new policy will have a significant impact on the economy.
  • Her speech had a profound impact on the audience.
shape

Used when referring to the formation, development, or molding of something, often over time or with intention.

  • His early experiences shaped his worldview.
  • Technology continues to shape our daily lives.

Examples of usage

  • Her positive attitude influenced everyone around her.
  • The new fashion trends are influenced by celebrities.
Context #2 | Verb

history

To exert influence over someone or something, often in a subtle or indirect way.

Synonyms

control, manipulate, persuade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
influenced

Used when one person has indirectly affected someone's thoughts or actions. It often carries a neutral or positive connotation.

  • Her style of painting was influenced by the impressionist artists.
  • He was influenced by his mentor to pursue a career in science.
control

Implies having direct power or command over someone or something, often in a more authoritative or dominant way.

  • The manager controls the entire team.
  • She likes to control every aspect of her projects.
manipulate

Used when someone handles or controls another person or situation in a clever or unscrupulous way, often carrying a negative connotation.

  • He tried to manipulate the results to his favor.
  • She felt like he was trying to manipulate her emotions.
persuade

Used when someone tries to convince another person to do something or believe in something through reasoning or argument.

  • She managed to persuade him to join the team.
  • He persuaded the jury with his compelling argument.

Examples of usage

  • The political leader influenced the decisions of the committee members.
  • Artists have always been influenced by the society they live in.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that peer influence can strongly affect teenagers' choices, often more than parental advice.
  • Social proof, a psychological phenomenon, explains how people look to others for cues on how to behave, demonstrating influence in everyday situations.
  • Cognitive biases, like the bandwagon effect, highlight how groups can influence individual decisions, leading to trends in fashion or opinions.

Pop Culture

  • Influence is a common theme in movies; for instance, 'Dead Poets Society' showcases how one teacher can inspire students to change their views.
  • Influencers on social media are a modern example, with individuals using their platforms to sway public opinion or product preferences.
  • Songs often talk about influence, like Taylor Swiftโ€™s music, where she discusses how relationships and experiences change her emotionally.

Literature

  • The works of Shakespeare have significantly influenced the English language, introducing phrases and concepts still used today.
  • Many authors, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, have explored themes of influence in their characters, depicting how ambitions can shape destinies.
  • Narrative techniques in literature often demonstrate the effect of one character influencing another, a key element of storytelling.

History

  • In history, influential leaders like Mahatma Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. changed social movements through their ideas and actions.
  • The Renaissance period saw a profound influence of art and culture, where artists like Leonardo da Vinci inspired others across Europe.
  • Political theories, such as those proposed by John Locke, have influenced modern democracy and governance practices around the world.

Origin of 'influenced'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'influere', which means 'to flow into', suggesting how ideas can flow from one person to another.
  • Its usage in English began in the late 14th century, initially referring to the flow of astrological influences affecting people's lives.
  • Older forms of the word included 'influence' itself, which has been used to describe personal or external effects for centuries.

The word 'influenced' originates from the Latin word 'influere', which means to flow in. The concept of influence has been present throughout history, with individuals and groups seeking to sway opinions, decisions, and behaviors. In modern times, the term is often associated with social media, where influencers have the power to shape trends and attitudes.


See also: influencable, influenceably, influencer, influencible, influencing, influential, uninfluenced.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,925, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.