Influential person Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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influential person
[หษชn.fluหenสษl หpษห.sษn ]
Definition
in society
A person who has the power to affect the decisions and actions of others. An influential person can lead, inspire, and make a significant impact on a group of people or society as a whole.
Synonyms
authority, leader, prominent figure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| influential person |
Use this term when referring to someone who has significant influence or impact in a certain field or over people, whether in politics, business, or social arenas.
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| prominent figure |
This phrase is suitable for describing someone who is well-known and important in a particular community or area. It highlights their visibility and significance rather than their power or control.
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| leader |
Employ this term when referring to someone who guides or directs a group or organization. It emphasizes their role in leading, inspiring, and managing people.
|
| authority |
This word is best used when talking about someone who has power or control in a particular area, especially where they have formal power or knowledge. It can sometimes carry a bureaucratic or controlling connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He is known as an influential person in the technology industry.
- Her words as an influential person have the ability to shape public opinion.
- The influential person's actions have far-reaching consequences.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The concept of influence dates back to ancient philosophers like Aristotle, who explored how persuasion shapes human behavior.
- In the Renaissance, influential figures like Leonardo da Vinci shaped art and science, illustrating the power of ideas during that era.
- The term 'influential' emerged in the English language around the 15th century, reflecting societal shifts where individuals began propping up new thoughts.
Pop Culture
- Influential figures in modern society can include celebrities, such as actors or musicians, who spark trends and social movements.
- Social media influencers have emerged as contemporary influential people, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to sway public opinions and consumer behavior.
- Characters in movies like 'Dead Poets Society' or 'The Pursuit of Happyness' showcase how individuals can inspire others through personal journeys.
Science
- Researchers have found that influential people often have strong networks, making it easier for them to spread their ideas rapidly.
- Social influence is a key concept in psychology, helping to explain how thoughts and behaviors can ripple through communities.
- Studies show that influential individuals can lead to significant changes in public behavior, like health initiatives or voting patterns.
Literature
- Many literary heroes, like Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird', exemplify how one person's beliefs can influence societal change.
- The writings of influential figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. have inspired countless people around the world through their messages of peace and equality.
- Literature often celebrates influential characters, illustrating the impact of courage and wisdom on societal values.
Technology
- Innovators like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates have transformed businesses and personal technology, influencing countless lives with their ideas.
- Tech influencers share knowledge that can shift industries overnight, demonstrating a new kind of influence in the digital age.
- Movements for open-source technology, driven by passionate individuals, show how one person's vision can alter the way the tech world operates.
Origin of 'influential person'
The term 'influential person' originated from the late Middle English word 'influence', which comes from the Old French 'influentia', and the Latin 'influent-em', meaning 'flowing in'. The concept of influence has been a key aspect of human society throughout history, with influential individuals shaping culture, politics, and various aspects of life.