mindmap root((影响)) influence may apply to a force or power exercised consciously or unconsciously to guide or determine a course of action or an effect: used all of her ~ to get the bill passed. authority implies power from a source such as personal merit or learning to compel devotion or allegiance or acceptance: a policy that has the ~ of the school board behind it. prestige implies the ascendancy given by conspicuous excellence or recognized superiority: the ~ of the newspaper. weight implies measurable or decisive influence in determining acts or choices: the wishes of the President obviously had much ~. credit suggests influence that arises from proven merit or reputation for inspiring confidence and admiration: the ~ that he had built up in the town.