influential

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪnflʊˈɛnʃəl/ (UK); /ˌɪnfluˈɛnʃəl/ (US)^[1]

Etymology

It is formed from Medieval Latin influentia, influence, and -al,^[2][3][4] perhaps after a Medieval Latin influentialis.^[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

In astrology, exercising the influence attributed to the stars: 1570 (the 1560s in Etymonline).^[5][2][3][4]

Semantic evolution

Of supernatural or spiritual influence it is from 1643.^[5] Having or exerting influence or power in general is from 1655 (the 1650s),^[5][3] and of persons, powerful through their influence, from before 1734.^[5] The noun, an influential person, is from 1831.^[2]

Timeline

• 1570 – astrological.^[5]
• 1643 – spiritual influence.^[5]
• 1655 – having influence.^[5]
• 1831 – the noun.^[2]

Modern meaning

Adjective

1. Having or exercising great influence.

Noun

1. An important or influential person.

Word family

• influentially
• noninfluential
• overinfluential
• uninfluential

Related words

• influence
• influx
• fluent
• fluid

References

1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
3. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press
5. ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press