Influential

Definition

Ability to persuade or change minds to get desInfluential means having the power to sway opinions, decisions, or trends. Important, by contrast, means having great value or significance, not necessarily the power to persuade. Influential focuses on the ability to change minds. Important focuses on inherent worth.ired results

What it describes

A young activist speaks at a public gathering. She does not use force or threats. Instead, she shares personal stories, presents clear facts, and speaks with quiet confidence. By the end of her speech, many people in the crowd change their opinions. Some decide to join her cause. Her words have moved others without any pressure. What kind of speaker is she? She is an influential speaker.

Examples in context

• Her influential article changed the way people think about climate change.
• The professor was an influential figure in the field of economics.