Affluential

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌæf.luˈɛnʃəl/

Definitions

1. Pertaining to individuals or entities possessing considerable wealth, it describes the influence stemming from affluence and signals a societal standing linked to financial success
2. Connected to those who wield substantial financial resources, it signifies the power acquired through wealth and reflects a social rank associated with economic abundance
3. Having to do with the social or economic influence that comes from great wealth

Etymology: "Affluential" is a blend of "affluent" and "influential," two words that were already in use and were squeezed together into a single new form. Its meaning follows from both halves: it describes the sway that comes with wealth, the power that money seems to bring with it. Because the blend combines the two ideas, a reader can often understand it on first sight even though it is not a long-established dictionary staple. Blends like this are usually coined to say something a single word does not quite cover. "Affluent" points to money and comfort, while "influential" points to the ability to shape others, and "affluential" fuses them into one adjective for people or groups whose wealth is also a source of power. The word is best seen as a compact, modern piece of wordplay rather than an ancient inheritance.

Synonyms: wealthy, prosperous

Antonyms: poor, impoverished