Meaning & Definition of word "Influential"

Influential

/ˌɪnfluˈɛnʃəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Having the power to cause changes or affect someone or something.
    • Example: Her influential speech inspired many to take action against climate change.
  • 2. Having a significant impact on the opinions, behaviors, or development of others.
    • Example: He was an influential figure in the tech industry, shaping the future of technology.
  • 3. Characterized by the ability to affect decisions or opinions.
    • Example: The influential book changed the way people thought about education.

Etymology

From Middle French 'influentiel', from Latin 'influentialis'

Common Phrases and Expressions

influential person:

A person who has a significant impact on others.

influential book:

A book that has a strong effect on readers or thought processes.

influential role:

A position that allows for significant impact or influence in a group or organization.

Related Words

influence:

The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

influencer:

A person who has the power to affect the purchasing decisions of others because of their authority, knowledge, position, or relationship with their audience.

Slang Meanings of influential

Meaning: viral

Example Sentence: That social media post was so viral, it became influential overnight.

Meaning: clout

Example Sentence: He has a lot of clout in the industry, making him quite influential.