Inspiration vs. Influence — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 4, 2023

Inspiration refers to the process of being mentally or emotionally stimulated to do or feel something creative. Influence is the capacity to have an effect on someone's behavior, thoughts, or decisions.

Difference Between Inspiration and Influence

Table of Contents

➝ Key Differences ➝ Comparison Chart ➝ Definitions ➝ FAQs

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Key Differences

Inspiration is often a mental or emotional trigger that sparks creativity, innovation, or action in an individual. It's the "a-ha" moment that drives you to create something new or take a different approach. Influence, on the other hand, is more about the ability to shape or direct someone's actions, decisions, or thoughts through either direct or indirect means.

Oct 04, 2023

While inspiration usually serves as a catalyst for creativity or specific actions, influence is more about a sustained impact on someone's life, choices, or behavior. Inspiration is often a self-contained moment or series of moments that push you toward a goal, whereas influence is usually ongoing and can be either positive or negative.

Oct 04, 2023

Both inspiration and influence can come from various sources, such as people, events, or even pieces of art. An individual might find inspiration in a historical figure while being influenced by their parents' values. The key difference here is that inspiration typically sparks action or creativity, while influence molds or shapes it over time.

Oct 04, 2023

In grammatical terms, both "inspiration" and "influence" function as nouns but can also be used as verbs ("to inspire" and "to influence"). However, "inspiration" is more commonly used to denote a positive impact, while "influence" is neutral and can signify either a positive or negative impact.

Oct 04, 2023

Comparison Chart

Core Meaning

Mental or emotional stimulation

Capacity to shape behavior

Oct 04, 2023

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Temporal Nature

Often momentary

Usually ongoing

Oct 04, 2023

Grammatical Role

Primarily a noun, can be a verb

Primarily a noun, can be a verb

Oct 04, 2023

Connotation

Generally positive

Neutral, can be positive or negative

Oct 04, 2023

Source

Can be self-generated

Usually external

Oct 04, 2023

Definitions

Inspiration

A catalyst for creative thought or action.

The sunset was her inspiration for the painting.

Sep 19, 2023

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Influence

The power to shape behavior or decisions.

The media has a strong influence on public opinion.

Sep 19, 2023

Inspiration

Emotional or intellectual stimulation.

His courage served as an inspiration to others.

Sep 19, 2023

Influence

An impact on someone's character or actions.

Her parents had a positive influence on her.

Sep 19, 2023

Inspiration

A sudden insight or innovative idea.

She had a sudden inspiration for a new business venture.

Sep 19, 2023

Influence

A power affecting a person, thing, or course of events, especially one that operates without any direct or apparent effort

The pervasive influence that TV has on modern life.

Young people falling under the influence of a radical philosopher.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

An uplifting influence that encourages betterment.

His teacher was an inspiration throughout his studies.

Sep 19, 2023

Influence

Power to sway or affect based on prestige, wealth, ability, or position

Used her family's influence to get the job.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The origin or source of a creative idea.

The novel's inspiration came from real-life events.

Sep 19, 2023

Influence

A person who exerts such power

My parents considered my friend to be a bad influence on me.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The excitement of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity

A singer who found her inspiration in popular songs of the 1920s.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

A determining factor believed by some to affect individual tendencies and characteristics understood to be caused by the positions of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The condition of being so excited

Sat down to write in a sudden burst of inspiration.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Factors believed to be caused by the changing positions of the stars and planets in relation to their positions at the time of one's birth.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The quality of being so excited, as manifested in something

A painting full of inspiration.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

To have an influence on (something); change

A news report that influenced the outcome of the election.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

A person or thing that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention

Gandhi has been an inspiration to political reformers for decades.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

To change the behavior or thinking of (someone); sway

Negative ads that are intended to influence voters.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

Something, such as a sudden creative act or idea, that is inspired

Had an inspiration and saw a way to solve the problem.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

I have absolutely no influence over him.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

Divine guidance or influence exerted directly on a human mind or soul.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

An action exerted by a person or thing with such power on another to cause change.

I'm not able to exercise influence over him.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The act of drawing in, especially the inhalation of air into the lungs.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

A person or thing exerting such power or action.

He has been a great influence on the voters during the elections.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm, as part of the act of respiration.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

(astrology) An element believed to determine someone's character or individual tendencies, caused by the position of the stars and planets at the time of one's birth.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

(countable) A breath, a single inhalation.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

(obsolete) The action of flowing in; influx.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies people to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

(electricity) Electrostatic induction.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The act of an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.

She was waiting for inspiration to write a book.

Usage notes: In this sense, it may be followed by the adposition to in relation to the person being influenced, and for or to in relation to the idea or activity:

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

(transitive) To have an effect on by using gentle or subtle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to persuade or induce.

The politician wants to influence the public.

I must admit that this book influenced my outlook on life.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

A person, object, or situation which quickens or stimulates an influence upon the intellect, emotions or creativity.

The trip was an inspiration to her for writing a book.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

(intransitive) To exert, make use of one's influence.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

A new idea, especially one which arises suddenly and is clever or creative.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

To cause to flow in or into; infuse; instill.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The act of inspiring or breathing in; breath; specif. (Physiol.), the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm; - the opposite of expiration.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

A flowing in or upon; influx.

God hath his influence into the very essence of all things.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.

Your father was ever virtuous, and holy men at their death have good inspirations.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Hence, in general, the bringing about of an effect, physical or moral, by a gradual process; controlling power quietly exerted; agency, force, or tendency of any kind which affects, modifies, or sways; as, the influence which the sun exerts on animal and vegetable life; the influence of education on the mind; the influence, according to astrologers, of the stars over affairs.

Astrologers call the evil influences of the stars, evil aspects.

Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

She said : "Ah, dearest lord! what evil starOn you hath frown'd, and poured, his influence bad?"

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.

The age which we now live in is not an age of inspiration and impulses.

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Power or authority arising from elevated station, excelence of character or intellect, wealth, etc.; reputation; acknowledged ascendency; as, he is a man of influence in the community.

Such influence hath your excellency.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

Arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Induction.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

A product of your creative thinking and work;

He had little respect for the inspirations of other artists

After years of work his brainchild was a tangible reality

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

To control or move by power, physical or moral; to affect by gentle action; to exert an influence upon; to modify, bias, or sway; to affect; to move; to persuade; to induce.

These experiments succeed after the same manner in vacuo as in the open air, and therefore are not influenced by the weight or pressure of the atmosphere.

This standing revelation . . . is sufficient to influence their faith and practice, if they attend.

The principle which influenced their obedience has lost its efficacy.

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

A sudden intuition as part of solving a problem

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

A power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc;

Used her parents' influence to get the job

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

(theology) a special influence of a divinity on the minds of human beings;

They believe that the books of Scripture were written under divine guidance

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Causing something without any direct or apparent effort

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

Arousing to a particular emotion or action

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

A cognitive factor that tends to have an effect on what you do;

Her wishes had a great influence on his thinking

Sep 17, 2023

Inspiration

The act of inhaling; the drawing in of air (or other gases) as in breathing

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

The effect of one thing (or person) on another;

The influence of mechanical action

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

One having power to influence another;

She was the most important influence in my life

He was a bad influence on the children

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Have and exert influence or effect;

The artist's work influenced the young painter

She worked on her friends to support the political candidate

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Shape or influence; give direction to;

Experience often determines ability

Mold public opinion

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

Induce into action by using one's charm;

She charmed him into giving her all his money

Sep 17, 2023

Influence

The ability to change outcomes.

His influence secured the deal.

Sep 19, 2023

Influence

An affecting presence or force.

The moon has an influence on the tides.

Sep 19, 2023

Influence

A guiding or directional effect.

The coach's influence was evident in the team's improved performance.

Sep 19, 2023

FAQs

What is Inspiration?

Inspiration is a mental or emotional stimulus that sparks creativity or action.

Oct 04, 2023

Can Inspiration be self-generated?

Yes, inspiration can come from within, such as from one's own thoughts or experiences.

Oct 04, 2023

Is Inspiration always positive?

Inspiration is generally considered positive as it typically encourages creative or constructive action.

Oct 04, 2023

Is Influence always external?

Influence is usually external and comes from other people, events, or circumstances.

Oct 04, 2023

Can one person be both an Inspiration and an Influence?

Absolutely, someone can inspire you and also have a lasting influence on your life.

Oct 04, 2023

Can you measure Influence?

Influence can sometimes be measured, such as in terms of social media reach or political power.

Oct 04, 2023

Can Influence be negative?

Yes, influence can be either positive or negative, depending on its impact.

Oct 04, 2023

Can Inspiration come from nature?

Yes, many people find inspiration in natural settings or phenomena.

Oct 04, 2023

How do Inspiration and Influence differ?

Inspiration usually sparks creativity or action, while influence shapes it over time.

Oct 04, 2023

What is Influence?

Influence is the ability to affect someone's behavior, decisions, or thoughts.

Oct 04, 2023

Is Inspiration momentary?

Inspiration is often a brief, intense stimulus, although its effects can last longer.

Oct 04, 2023

Can Influence be intentional?

Influence can be both intentional and unintentional.

Oct 04, 2023

Is there a verb form for Inspiration?

Yes, "to inspire" is the verb form.

Oct 04, 2023

Can Influence be ongoing?

Yes, influence is often a sustained impact over time.

Oct 04, 2023

What is the verb form of Influence?

The verb form is "to influence."

Oct 04, 2023

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Author Spotlight

Written by

Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.