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.
Etymology
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
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.
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.