influence etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: influence, from Old French: influence, from Late Latin: influentia

Meaning:

The exertion of power or authority over someone or something, or a person or thing that has such power or authority.

Origin:

The word "influence" comes from the Late Latin word "influentia," which means "a flowing in." It is based on the idea that power or authority flows into or over someone or something, like a liquid flowing into a vessel.

The formation of the word "influence" involves the following processes:

• "Influ-" is the root of the Latin verb "influere," meaning "to flow in."
• "-entia" is a suffix that forms nouns denoting actions, qualities, or states.

Therefore, "influentia" literally means "the state or action of flowing in." In its metaphorical sense, it came to refer to the exertion of power or authority.

Historical Development:

The concept of influence has been central to political and social thought throughout history. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato discussed different forms of influence, including persuasion, coercion, and manipulation.

In the Middle Ages, the Church played a significant role in shaping ideas about influence, particularly through the doctrine of divine providence. According to this doctrine, God's authority and influence permeate all aspects of creation.

During the Renaissance, humanist thinkers challenged the Church's monopoly on influence and emphasized the importance of human reason and experience. This shift in perspective contributed to the development of modern notions of influence based on persuasion and communication.

influence relate terms

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  Etymology Origin Latin fluens present participle of fluere to flow Meaning Th

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• influence

  Etymology Middle English influence from Old French influence from Late Latin influ

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• charm

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• tempt

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• oleander

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• pull

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• saturnine

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• wind

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• item

  Item Etymology Latin item also likewise besides Meaning A single or individ

• time

  Etymology Old English tîma time period hour West Germanic tîmon Proto Germanic