French word

influence

Pronunciation

IPA/ɛ̃flyɑ̃s/

Meaning

  • feminine nouneffect

Example

Cette décision a beaucoup d'influence sur la situation.

This decision has a major effect on the situation.

Illustration for influence (effect)

More examples

Son père a exercé une grande influence sur son choix de carrière.

His father exerted a great influence on his career choice.

Core concept

An unseen force tilts other people's opinions, choices, or behavior.

Common phrases

  • exercer une influence

    exert an influence

  • avoir de l'influence

    have influence

  • subir l'influence

    be subject to influence

Similar words

effet: A result or change caused by an event or action.
impact: A powerful effect or shock produced by an event or action.
poids: The weight an opinion or position carries in a decision.
autorité: The power to make others obey through trust or authority.

Definition in French

Capacité d'une personne, d'un groupe ou d'un élément à faire pencher les opinions, les choix ou les comportements d'autres personnes.

Word origin

French influence comes from Latin influentia, derived from influere, meaning "to flow into," and originally described a force flowing into something else.

Usage tips

  • Influence is feminine, so standard forms include une influence and cette influence.

Other meanings

  • swaynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • influencerinfluenceverb
  • influenceurinfluencernoun
  • influentinfluentialadjective

Word lists with this word