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.
City's then manager, Pep Guardiola, even labelled him "our mini-Rodri" in the absence of his influential, injured team-mate.
From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026
Aschenbrenner’s social circle came to include some of the company’s most influential figures, including its chief scientist Jared Kaplan, who mingled in the crowds at a July 4 party at his mansion.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
The commitments from senior management and an influential figure like Ma, who is no longer on the company’s board, helped to shore up Alibaba’s foundering share price.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026
Last week, Gazprom Arena had posted enthusiastically about the concerts on social media, calling Ye "the most influential musical artist of our time".
From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026
A few days ago I might have disagreed with her, unsure how influential their belief in genetic damage was on their behavior.
From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth
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.
