What does "influential" mean?

1. (having a lot of impact) having the power to change how people think or how things happen. 2. (a powerful person) a person who has the power to affect others, especially in politics or business.

How do you use "influential"?

often used to describe people, books, or ideas that change a field of study or society. usually used in the plural to describe groups of powerful people in society.

influential

adj. · n.

US //ˌɪnfɫuˈɛnʃəɫ// UK //ˌɪnfluːˈɛnʃəl// in·flu·en·tial

1 having a lot of impact (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

having the power to change how people think or how things happen.

having or exerting significant influence; possessing the power to affect the actions, beliefs, or development of others.

Example

Her teacher was very influential and encouraged her to study science at university.

Example

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.
2 a powerful person (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a person who has the power to affect others, especially in politics or business.

an individual who possesses or exerts significant influence within a particular sphere.

Example

The meeting was attended by several political influentials from across the country.

Example

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.

Teacher's 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.
- power broker
- heavyweight
- nobody

Origin

From Medieval Latin īnfluentiālis, from īnfluentia + -ālis. By surface analysis, influence + -ial.