influential
- 01 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.
Simple“Her teacher was very influential and encouraged her to study science at university.”
In context“The philosopher's early essays remained influential for decades, shaping the political discourse of an entire generation of activists.”
Usageoften used to describe people, books, or ideas that change a field of study or society.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The meeting was attended by several political influentials from across the country.”
In context“The summit brought together a group of global influentials to discuss the economic implications of the new trade treaty.”
Usageusually used in the plural to describe groups of powerful people in society.
Teacher's tipIn modern contexts, 'influencer' is much more common for social media; 'influential' as a noun is reserved for formal or academic discussions of power.
Synonymspower brokerheavyweightAntonyms
Usage highly influential · influential factor
“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.”
From Medieval Latin īnfluentiālis, from īnfluentia + -ālis. By surface analysis, influence + -ial.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.