influir (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "influir" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

/in.fluˈiɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to influence
• to affect
• to sway

Meaning and Usage

"Influir" means to have an effect on or to change something, typically in a subtle or indirect way. It is often used to describe how one entity can affect the thoughts, behaviors, or outcomes related to another. The word is commonly used across both spoken and written Spanish, being quite frequent in various contexts, including academic, social, and everyday conversations.

Example Sentences

1. El clima puede influir en nuestra salud mental.

2. The weather can influence our mental health.

3. Su decisión podría influir en el resultado del proyecto.

4. His decision could influence the outcome of the project.

5. La música tiene el poder de influir en nuestras emociones.

6. Music has the power to influence our emotions.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "influir" is a straightforward verb, it can appear in several idiomatic expressions that emphasize its meaning of influence or effect.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Influir en la opinión pública
2. Translation: To influence public opinion.
3. Los medios de comunicación pueden influir en la opinión pública de una manera significativa.

4. The media can influence public opinion in a significant way.

5. Influir en el desarrollo de la tecnología

6. Translation: To influence the development of technology.
7. Las universidades influyen en el desarrollo de la tecnología a través de la investigación.

8. Universities influence the development of technology through research.

9. Dejarse influir por los demás

10. Translation: To be influenced by others.
11. No deberías dejarte influir por la presión de tus amigos.

12. You shouldn't let yourself be influenced by peer pressure.

13. Influir en la decisión final

14. Translation: To influence the final decision.
15. Es importante que todos influyan en la decisión final del equipo.

16. It’s important that everyone influences the final decision of the team.

17. No puedo permitir que la crítica me influya

18. Translation: I can't allow criticism to influence me.
19. No puedo permitir que la crítica me influya en mis elecciones.
20. I can't allow criticism to influence my choices.

Etymology

The verb "influir" comes from the Latin word "influere," which means "to flow in," derived from "in-" meaning "into" and "fluere" meaning "to flow." It reflects the idea of an external force flowing into a situation or person, thereby causing a change or effect.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Afectar (to affect)
• Sway (in the sense of influencing)
• Modificar (to modify)

Antonyms

• Desinfluenciar (to dissuade)
• Ignorar (to ignore)
• Rechazar (to reject)

This structured exploration of "influir" highlights its importance and versatility in the Spanish language, as well as its usage in both common speech and specific contexts.