What is the difference between influence, affect, effect and impact

Posted on 03/15/2022, Modified on 03/15/2022     Vocabulary

Influence

[Noun] the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.
Ex: the influence of parents on their children

[Verb]: have an influence on.
Ex: some voters were influenced to change their allegiances

 

Affect

[Noun] (in medicine and psychology) emotion or desire, especially as influencing behavior or action.
Ex: to assess the degree of positive and negative affect

[Verb] have an effect on; make a difference to. Ex: the dampness began to affect my health
Ex: your attitude will affect how successful you are

 

Effect

[Noun] a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
Ex: the lethal effects of hard drugs Ex: gentle music can have a soothing effect

[Noun] the lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play, movie, or broadcast.
Ex: the production relied too much on spectacular effects

[Verb] cause (something) to happen; bring about.
Ex: nature always effected a cure
Ex: The temperature reversal effected a major slowdown in the bacterial growth rate.

 

Impact

[Noun] the effect or influence of one person, thing, or action, on another.
Ex: our regional measures have had a significant impact on unemployment
Ex: Please consider a donation. Every dollar amount, large or small, makes an impact.

[Verb] have a strong effect on someone or something.
Ex: high interest rates have impacted on retail spending
Ex: the move is not expected to impact the company's employees

 

Reference:
- Google Translate
- Apple Dictionary
- https://web.mit.edu/course/21/21.guide/affect.htm