influentially

Influentially is an adverb formed from the adjective influential. It describes the manner in which influence is exerted or the way in which someone or something affects outcomes, opinions, or decisions. In general use, the word is uncommon in everyday writing and is more often found in formal or evaluative prose when the author intends to emphasize the manner of influence rather than its magnitude.

The word is created by adding the suffix -ly to influential, following a standard pattern for English adverbs derived from adjectives. Because influential already conveys a sense of effect, speakers and writers sometimes avoid influentially in favor of phrases such as “in a persuasive way” or “in a way that influences.” When used, influentially tends to appear in analyses of rhetoric, strategy, or leadership.

Usage notes: influentially can carry an evaluative or tonal nuance, sometimes sounding formal or pompous in casual speech. It should be used sparingly and with clarity about what aspect of influence is being described. Related terms include influence, influential, and persuasively.