influential
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of influential
First recorded in 1560–70; from Medieval Latin influenti(a) “stellar emanation” ( see influence) + -al 1
Explanation
If your grandfather worked his whole life in a circus and inspired you to wear clown shoes, you could describe your grandfather as very influential in your life. Something that exerts influence or power can be called influential. You could read a deeply meaningful book that becomes influential to you, or there might be an important person in your life who is strongly influential over various decisions you make. The Latin word influentem, "flowing in," is the root of the Old French influence, which described the power was believed to flow from the stars.
Vocabulary lists containing influential
Very Necessary: Synonyms for "Important"
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Latin Love, Vol II: fluere
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Unwind
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Few have played a more influential role in bringing attachment to the mainstream than Dr Amir Levine.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
Loomer, an influential voice in some conservative circles, has at times promoted conspiracy theories.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
The most influential research was from Jagadeesh and Titman, two finance professors at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, in1993, but earlier papers date back at least to the 1960s.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
Ghana's main opposition party has reacted with anger after one of its most influential leaders was sentenced to 20 years in jail, with hard labour, for illegal mining offences.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
“The world is moving away from military ideals,” declared the influential British journal Review of Reviews, “and a period of peace, industry, and world-wide friendship is dawning.”
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
