The term “influence” comes from the Latin word “influere,” which means “to flow into.” This is derived from the Latin roots “in-” meaning “into” and “fluere,” meaning “to flow.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*bhleu-” means “to flow.”
2. Latin
From the PIE root, the Latin word “fluere” developed, meaning “to flow.” The verb “influere” combines “in-” (into) and “fluere” (to flow), meaning “to flow into” or “to affect.”
3. Old French (c. 9th to 14th century CE)
The Latin term “influere” evolved into Old French “influence,” meaning “an emanation from the stars that affects human destiny” or “an ethereal fluid.”
4. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old French “influence” was adopted into Middle English as “influence,” meaning “an ethereal fluid believed to flow from the stars and affect human affairs” and later extending to “an effect or impact.”
5. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “influence” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, broadening its meaning to include “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.”
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “influence” has remained relatively stable from Old French to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Influence is often used to describe the capacity to have an effect on someone or something.”
- “Another example of ‘influence’ in a sentence is ‘Her positive attitude had a significant influence on the team’s morale.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “influence” was significantly influenced by medieval astrology, where it was believed that celestial bodies emitted a fluid that could affect human destiny. Over time, the term’s meaning broadened to include any kind of effect or impact one thing has on another.
The word “influence” reflects the concept of an effect or impact, emphasizing the importance of how actions, ideas, and individuals can shape and affect others in various contexts.