to influence; impact; effect
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesverb
to influence; to affect
Describes one person or thing having an effect on another, often in a guiding or shaping manner. Originates from the metaphor of a shadow following a form or an echo responding to a sound.
Parents should influence their children through their own exemplary actions.
The teacher's encouragement deeply influenced my life choices.
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Information on social media easily influences young people's opinions.
noun
influence; impact; effect
Refers to the resulting effect or impact itself.
This incident had a great impact.
This movie had a profound influence on culture.
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Good education has a positive impact on a child's future.
adjective
unfounded; hearsay; vague
literaryAn archaic literary usage, typically seen in classical Chinese idioms or historical texts to describe baseless rumors or vague information.
Unfounded and vague talk.
This claim is purely hearsay, with no real evidence.