rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -alis
Latin

-alis

of, relating to

Forms

  • -alis
  • -aris — Latin variant especially used when the stem already contained l, avoiding a repeated l sound.
  • -al — English ending borrowed through French or directly from Latin.
  • -ar — English ending continuing Latin -aris.

Origin

An older Latin adjective-forming suffix; its more remote ancestry is uncertain.

Note

Expresses a relationship without specifying its kind: material, place, purpose, and other connections are possible.

116 / 291
adjective

influential

in-floo-EN-shul/ˌɪnfluˈenʃl/

Having significant power to affect people, events, or ideas.

The influential woman addresses a civic group that listens with evident respect.

An older East Asian woman addresses a listening civic group with evident respect and influence.
Etymology
inLatinin, into, on, upon
+fluentLatinflow
+ialLatinof, relating to

The “flowing into” image underlies influence: an unseen force once attributed to the stars. Influential came to describe people or things possessing such power to shape actions and events.

In context

He@ven2:49
Their name was associated with wealth, power, and international finance. Yet, success often attracts attention. The more influential the family became, the more people speculated about their activities.
The Rothschild Family: History, Power, and the Truth Behind the Conspiracy Theories

More examples

  • He is an influential voice in local politics.
  • This influential book changes how readers think about poverty.
  • Teachers are often among the most influential people in children's lives.

Forms

influential · more influential · most influential

influence noun — Power to affect people, events, or ideas.

Similar words

powerful
Emphasizes strength or authority rather than the ability to shape opinions.
persuasive
Specifically describes convincing people to believe something or take action.