seminal
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “seminal” mean?
adjective.(of a work, event, moment, or figure) strongly influencing later developments.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing influential figures, groundbreaking scientific research, or pivotal historical events. It implies a foundational impact that shapes future developments, distinguishing it from similar terms like "important," which lacks the connotation of being groundbreaking or transformative.
Common Confusions
Seminal implies a groundbreaking influence that shapes future developments, while important usually suggests significant value without necessarily indicating transformative impact.
Do not choose seminal if the context emphasizes triviality or irrelevance rather than strongly influencing later developments.
Example Sentences
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Darwin's 'Origin of Species' is a seminal work in biology.