Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

under the influence

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.73 in modern English

Syllables: un-der- the in-flu-ence
IPA

26

Scrabble Score

17

Letters

5

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

adv

While intoxicated or inebriated, in any degree from mildly impaired to stupefied, by a mind-altering substance, typically alcohol; thus, especially, drunk.

adj

Intoxicated or inebriated, in any degree from mildly impaired to stupefied, by a mind-altering substance, typically alcohol; thus, especially, drunk.

Example Sentences

"He was arrested for driving under the influence."
"He was fired for showing up under the influence."
"He was arrested for driving while under the influence."
"He was fired for showing up when he was under the influence."

Etymology

Elliptical, since the agent (any intoxicating substance) is implicit because it is understood in context.

Inflected Forms

more under the influence (comparative) most under the influence (superlative)

Phrases

driving under the influence

Frequently Paired Words

DUI DWI

Questions

What does under the influence mean?: While intoxicated or inebriated, in any degree from mildly impaired to stupefied, by a mind-altering substance, typically alcohol; thus, especially, drunk.
Where does under the influence come from?: Elliptical, since the agent (any intoxicating substance) is implicit because it is understood in context.

How to pronounce under the influence

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