Word
influential
Phoneticsin·flu·en·tial, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnfɫuˈɛnʃəɫ/
UK/ˌɪnfluːˈɛnʃəl/
Definitions
01having a lot of impact
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having the power to change how people think or how things happen.
adj. having or exerting significant influence; possessing the power to affect the actions, beliefs, or development of others.
日本語:有力※
“Her teacher was very influential and encouraged her to study science at university.”
“The philosopher's early essays remained influential for decades, shaping the political discourse of an entire generation of activists.”
Usage
often used to describe people, books, or ideas that change a field of study or society.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a powerful person
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a person who has the power to affect others, especially in politics or business.
n. an individual who possesses or exerts significant influence within a particular sphere.
“The meeting was attended by several political influentials from across the country.”
“The summit brought together a group of global influentials to discuss the economic implications of the new trade treaty.”
Usage
usually used in the plural to describe groups of powerful people in society.
Teaching tip
In modern contexts, 'influencer' is much more common for social media; 'influential' as a noun is reserved for formal or academic discussions of power.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “influential” in context.
Adjective
01. highly influential
“Her research proved to be highly influential in the development of modern linguistics.”
adv + adj
02. influential factor
“Social media has become an influential factor in shaping public opinion during elections.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Matisse is widely considered to be one of the 20th Century's most influential artists and art critics say the value of the stolen works is "incalculable".” “The service, Truth API, launched at the beginning of August and gives Wall Street traders first sight of posts from the social media site's most influential accounts.” “It has also set back the efforts of all the people and groups who have worked in good faith, over many years, to boost the presence of underrepresented groups in influential positions.” “On Haidt, he says: “It’s wild that one person has been so influential on a global scale.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin īnfluentiālis, from īnfluentia + -ālis. By surface analysis, influence + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/influential
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0