When we say someone is influential, it means they are very important. This person can change what other people think. They can also change what other people do. An influential person has power. Their ideas can make things happen. Their position can also make things happen.
When we say someone or something is influential, it means they have a significant impact on how other people think, behave, or what happens in a particular situation.
Think of a popular musician whose style inspires many other artists, or a respected leader whose opinions shape public policy. These individuals are influential because their actions or ideas carry weight and can bring about change.
It's about having the power to sway decisions, trends, or opinions, often through their position, reputation, or expertise.
When we describe someone or something as influential at a C1 level, we are often delving into the nuanced dynamics of power, persuasion, and impact within complex systems. It moves beyond a simple understanding of causing change to examining how influence is wielded, its ethical implications, and the ripple effects it creates across various domains.
This level of comprehension might involve analyzing the subtle strategies employed by influential figures, recognizing the socio-political or economic structures that enable their sway, or evaluating the long-term consequences of their actions. Therefore, an influential entity at C1 suggests a sophisticated understanding of its capacity to shape narratives, policies, or cultural norms, often through indirect means or strategic leverage.
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
The word 'influential' describes someone or something that has a significant impact on others' thoughts, actions, or decisions. It implies a strong capacity to sway or guide. Let's explore some similar words and understand their nuances.
- powerful
- This word suggests possessing great strength, control, or authority. While an influential person can be powerful, 'powerful' often refers to a more direct or overt form of control, sometimes through force or position. 'Influential' is more about persuasion and impact on opinions or trends.
The CEO is a very powerful figure in the company.
- important
- 'Important' means having great significance, value, or consequence. Someone or something can be important without necessarily influencing others. For example, a historical event can be important, but it doesn't actively 'influence' in the same way a person or idea does. An influential person is almost always important, but an important person isn't always influential.
It's important to eat healthy food.
- dominant
- 'Dominant' implies being more important, powerful, or successful than others. A dominant figure might impose their will, whereas an influential figure might lead by example or through persuasive ideas. While a dominant person can be influential, 'dominant' often suggests a hierarchy or competition where one entity prevails.
The company holds a dominant position in the market.
- authoritative
- This refers to someone who is respected and obeyed, often because of their knowledge, expertise, or official position. An authoritative person might be influential due to their credibility, but 'influential' can also come from charisma or trends without formal authority.
She wrote an authoritative book on the subject.
When to use 'influential':
- Use 'influential' when you want to emphasize the ability to change or shape opinions, behaviors, or trends.
- It's particularly apt for describing people who inspire or persuade others, often without direct command or force.
- Think of artists, thinkers, trendsetters, or leaders who guide through their ideas or presence.
Consider the context:
If someone holds a high position and can make decisions that affect many, they might be 'powerful'. If their opinions are highly valued and lead others to adopt similar views, they are 'influential'. If their work is crucial to a project's success, it's 'important'. If they are in charge and enforce rules, they are 'dominant'. If their advice is sought due to their deep knowledge, they are 'authoritative'.
The key distinction for 'influential' is the power of indirect persuasion and the ability to shape the thoughts and actions of others through various means, rather than direct control or formal authority.
How Formal Is It?
"Her influential research significantly shaped public policy."
"He's an important figure in the community."
"She's a real big shot in the fashion world."
"The teacher was super special and helped everyone learn."
"That basketball player is a G.O.A.T., everyone looks up to him."
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Adjectives modify nouns and pronouns. They describe qualities, states, or actions of the words they modify.
An influential leader guided the country.
Adjectives can be used in comparative and superlative forms to show degrees of comparison.
He is more influential than his brother, but she is the most influential person in the group.
Adjectives can follow linking verbs (like 'be', 'seem', 'become', 'feel', 'look') to describe the subject.
The decision was influential on the outcome.
Adjectives usually come before the noun they modify, but can sometimes come after the noun in certain constructions (e.g., participial adjectives in certain phrases).
The influential speech inspired many.
Adjectives do not change their form based on the number or gender of the noun they modify.
An influential person vs. influential people.
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
Her groundbreaking research on climate change proved to be highly influential in shaping new environmental policies.
Su investigación innovadora sobre el cambio climático resultó ser muy influyente en la formulación de nuevas políticas ambientales.
Here, 'influential' modifies 'research', showing its impact.
The CEO's speech was so influential that it inspired the entire company to adopt a more sustainable business model.
El discurso del CEO fue tan influyente que inspiró a toda la compañía a adoptar un modelo de negocio más sostenible.
Used with 'so...that' to emphasize the degree of influence.
Despite being a newcomer, her innovative ideas quickly made her an influential member of the design team.
A pesar de ser una recién llegada, sus ideas innovadoras la convirtieron rápidamente en un miembro influyente del equipo de diseño.
Preceded by an indefinite article 'an' as 'influential' describes a countable noun 'member'.
Many argue that social media platforms have become the most influential tools for political discourse today.
Muchos argumentan que las plataformas de redes sociales se han convertido en las herramientas más influyentes para el discurso político en la actualidad.
Used with a superlative 'the most' to indicate the highest degree of influence.
His influential book on leadership continues to be a staple in business schools worldwide.
Su influyente libro sobre liderazgo sigue siendo un referente en las escuelas de negocios de todo el mundo.
A direct adjective-noun pairing: 'influential book'.
The art critic's influential review significantly boosted the young artist's career.
La influyente reseña del crítico de arte impulsó significativamente la carrera del joven artista.
Used to describe a 'review' that had a strong effect.
She dreams of becoming an influential figure in the scientific community, inspiring future generations.
Ella sueña con convertirse en una figura influyente en la comunidad científica, inspirando a las futuras generaciones.
Here, 'influential figure' refers to a person who holds significant power or sway.
The company's decision was largely influenced by the advice of its most influential stakeholders.
La decisión de la empresa fue en gran medida influenciada por el consejo de sus partes interesadas más influyentes.
Used here to modify 'stakeholders', indicating their impact on decisions.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
an influential voice
有影响力的声音
to be influential in a field
在某个领域有影响力
to become influential
变得有影响力
exert an influential effect
施加有影响力的作用
have an influential impact
产生有影响力的影响
due to his influential position
由于他有影响力的地位
a very influential person
一个非常有影响力的人
his ideas were influential
他的想法很有影响力
she is influential among her peers
她在同龄人中很有影响力
an influential decision
一个有影响力的决定
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
"To pull strings"
To use one's influence with important people to get something done or gain an advantage.
He had to pull strings with the mayor to get the building permit approved so quickly.
informal"To have a say"
To have the right or opportunity to express one's opinion and influence decisions.
As a senior member of the team, she always expects to have a say in major project decisions.
neutral"To carry weight"
To have influence or authority, especially when giving advice or expressing opinions.
His opinion on financial matters really carries weight with the board members.
neutral"To be a big fish in a small pond"
To be an important or influential person within a limited sphere.
He was a big fish in a small pond at his previous company, but now he's just another employee here.
informal"To hold sway"
To have great power or influence over someone or something.
The charismatic leader held sway over his followers for decades.
formal"To have an ace up one's sleeve"
To have a secret advantage or powerful resource to be used when needed.
The negotiator kept an ace up his sleeve, waiting for the right moment to propose the new terms.
informal"To move mountains"
To achieve something very difficult or seemingly impossible, often through great effort or influence.
With her determination, she could move mountains to achieve her goals.
neutral"To be at the helm"
To be in charge or in a position of leadership and influence.
The CEO has been at the helm of the company for over ten years, guiding it through many changes.
neutral"To grease the wheels"
To make things happen more easily, often by using influence or offering incentives.
A few well-placed phone calls helped to grease the wheels and get the project approved faster.
informal"To set the tone"
To establish a particular mood or character for something, often by one's actions or influence.
The manager's positive attitude helped to set the tone for the entire team's productivity.
neutralखुद को परखो 12 सवाल
Describe a person who has been influential in your life. What qualities do they possess that make them influential? How have they impacted your decisions or beliefs?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My grandmother has been the most influential person in my life. She always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and taught me the importance of hard work and kindness. Her wisdom and unwavering support have guided many of my decisions, especially when facing challenges, and she has truly inspired me to be a better person.
Imagine you are trying to convince a friend to try a new hobby you enjoy. Write a short paragraph explaining why this hobby is influential and how it could benefit them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I really think you should try hiking with me. It's not just about exercise; it can be incredibly influential in how you view nature and yourself. Being surrounded by beautiful scenery and challenging yourself physically can really change your perspective, reduce stress, and inspire a sense of calm and accomplishment. I believe it would be a great experience for your personal growth.
Think about a historical figure who you believe was influential. Write a few sentences explaining their influence and why their actions or ideas still matter today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Nelson Mandela was an incredibly influential historical figure. His unwavering commitment to fighting apartheid and his message of reconciliation had a profound impact on South Africa and the world. His ideas about equality and justice continue to be relevant today, inspiring people globally to work towards a more just society.
According to the passage, what is a potential negative outcome of social media's influence?
Read this passage:
Social media platforms have become increasingly influential in shaping public opinion. News articles and trends can spread rapidly, reaching millions of people in a short amount of time. This can lead to both positive outcomes, like raising awareness for important causes, and negative ones, such as the spread of misinformation.
According to the passage, what is a potential negative outcome of social media's influence?
The passage explicitly states that 'the spread of misinformation' is a negative outcome of social media's influence.
The passage explicitly states that 'the spread of misinformation' is a negative outcome of social media's influence.
What was a key consequence of the printing press becoming influential?
Read this passage:
The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg was a highly influential event in history. Before its invention, books were copied by hand, making them expensive and rare. The printing press made books more accessible, leading to a significant increase in literacy and the widespread sharing of knowledge.
What was a key consequence of the printing press becoming influential?
The passage states that the printing press led to 'a significant increase in literacy and the widespread sharing of knowledge.'
The passage states that the printing press led to 'a significant increase in literacy and the widespread sharing of knowledge.'
What is one characteristic of an influential leader, according to the text?
Read this passage:
A good leader is often described as influential. They have the ability to inspire and motivate their team, guiding them towards common goals. Their decisions and actions can have a considerable impact on the success or failure of a project.
What is one characteristic of an influential leader, according to the text?
The passage says, 'They have the ability to inspire and motivate their team, guiding them towards common goals.'
The passage says, 'They have the ability to inspire and motivate their team, guiding them towards common goals.'
Listen for the long-term impact of the decision.
Focus on the extent of the change caused by the research.
Consider how the philosopher's influence was wielded.
Read this aloud:
Discuss the most influential historical figure you can think of and explain the lasting impact of their contributions on society.
Focus: influential, contributions, society
तुमने कहा:
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Read this aloud:
Elaborate on how technological advancements have become increasingly influential in shaping global politics and economies.
Focus: technological, advancements, global, politics, economies
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Analyze the role of influential media outlets in constructing public opinion and disseminating information in a democratic society.
Focus: analyze, constructing, disseminating, democratic, society
तुमने कहा:
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/ 12 correct
Perfect score!
उदाहरण
She is an influential figure in politics.
संबंधित सामग्री
संदर्भ में सीखें
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
Social के और शब्द
abanthropate
C1Describes a state of being removed from, or having lost, the essential qualities and characteristics of humanity. It is often used in philosophical or literary contexts to describe a person or entity that has transcended or been alienated from the human condition.
abhospence
C1A rare or formal term describing the state or act of lacking hospitality, or the deliberate withdrawal of a welcoming attitude towards guests or outsiders. It refers to a cold, inhospitable atmosphere or a specific instance where a host fails to provide expected comforts or kindness.
abjudtude
C1The state or quality of being formally rejected, cast off, or disowned through an authoritative or judicial decision. It refers to a condition of absolute renunciation where a person or entity is stripped of their previous status or rights.
abphobship
C1A formal adjective describing a systemic and deep-seated aversion to institutional hierarchies or organized authority figures. It is frequently applied in sociological and organizational contexts to describe individuals or movements that intentionally distance themselves from formal power structures.
abstinence
B2किसी चीज़ का सेवन न करने का स्वेच्छा से लिया गया फैसला, जैसे शराब या भोजन से दूर रहना।
abtactship
C1यह शारीरिक संपर्क न होने या अमूर्त होने की अवस्था है। यह ऐसी रिश्तेदारी का वर्णन करता है जो भौतिक या शारीरिक नहीं है।
abtrudship
C1To forcefully impose one's leadership, authority, or specific set of rules onto a group without their consent or prior consultation. It describes the act of thrusting a structured way of doing things upon others in a dominant or intrusive manner.
abvictious
C1To strategically yield or concede a minor position or advantage in order to ensure a greater ultimate victory. It describes a sophisticated form of success achieved through intentional, calculated loss or withdrawal.
abvolism
C1यह पूरी तरह से व्यक्तिगत स्वायत्तता प्राप्त करने के लिए सामाजिक मानदंडों से जानबूझकर दूरी बनाने का कार्य है।
acceptance
B2Acceptance is the act of agreeing to an offer, plan, or invitation, or the process of being received into a group or society. It also refers to the willingness to tolerate a difficult situation or the state of being approved by others.
