What term describes a state of being influenced by an external factor?

The term that best describes a state of being influenced by an external factor is “affected.” When an individual or situation is affected, it indicates that there has been some form of impact or influence stemming from outside sources. This can involve emotional, physical, or circumstantial changes that occur due to external stimuli or conditions.

In contrast, the other terms suggest a lack of influence or interaction with external factors. For example, “untouched” implies no impact or alteration has occurred, indicating an unaffected state. “Isolated” can denote separation from external influences, suggesting a lack of interaction with the environment. “Independent” conveys a state of autonomy and self-sufficiency, where one is not reliant or influenced by external circumstances. Thus, “affected” is the most accurate term to capture the notion of being influenced by external factors.