Etymologically
Log in

influential

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 14:48. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Changes in this edit History

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

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