Influence
/ˈɪn.flu.əns/noun
The power to affect someone or something, or the effect itself.
Did you know?In medieval astrology, English influence referred to an invisible flowing power from the heavens, especially the stars and planets, believed to affect human fate.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
influentia
“a flowing in; a flowing toward, especially of celestial power”
Old French
OF
influence
“astral influence; flowing in from the stars”
14th Century
English
influence
“the supposed flowing in of power from the stars or planets”
16th Century
English
influence
“the power to affect people, affairs, or events”
Modern English
English
influence
“the capacity to affect character, development, or behavior”
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