influential English · revision 7991

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1570|origins=la-med influentia}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɪnflʊˈɛnʃəl/ ''(UK)''; /ˌɪnfluˈɛnʃəl/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from Medieval Latin [[m|la-med|influentia]], [[influence]], and -al,^(MWU 2024)^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998) perhaps after a Medieval Latin influentialis.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ In astrology, exercising the influence attributed to the stars: 1570 (the 1560s in Etymonline).^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)^(Etymonline)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Of supernatural or spiritual influence it is from 1643.^(OED 1989) Having or exerting influence or power in general is from 1655 (the 1650s),^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) and of persons, powerful through their influence, from before 1734.^(OED 1989) The noun, an influential person, is from 1831.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1570 – astrological.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1643 – spiritual influence.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1655 – having influence.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1831 – the noun.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Having or exercising great [[influence]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ===Noun===

+ # An important or influential person.^(AHD)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[influentially]]

+ * [[noninfluential]]

+ * [[overinfluential]]

+ * [[uninfluential]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[influence]]

+ * [[influx]]

+ * [[fluent]]

+ * [[fluid]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}