What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
influential
Example
The influential politician was able to sway public opinion with his speeches. [influential: adjective]
Example
Her research was highly influential in the field of neuroscience. [influential: adjective]
significant
Example
The discovery of a new species was a significant achievement for the scientific community. [significant: adjective]
Example
There was a significant increase in sales after the new marketing campaign. [significant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Significant is more commonly used than influential in everyday language. Significant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while influential is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between influential and significant?
Both influential and significant can be used in formal and informal contexts, but significant is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
