seminal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'seminal' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that is typically used to refer to something that is important, influential, or groundbreaking. For example: "This seminal work of literature was highly influential in the literary world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Campaigners say the protest was a seminal moment for the anti-poverty movement around the world.

The Guardian

The public had some idea of his political attitudes from his contribution to the seminal Conservative pamphlet, One Nation (1950).

The Guardian

Hollywood's plan for a debut English-language take on the seminal 1995 Mamoru Oshii anime moved a step closer to reality in January when Snow White and the Huntsman's Rupert Sanders was hired to direct by studio Dreamworks.

The Guardian - Film

The seminal hip-hop duo announced a reunion tour.

The Guardian

It has been namechecked by seminal 80s new wavers Los Prisoneros in the song Porque No Se Van (Why Don't You Go?).

The Guardian - Film

The full horror of what happened can be seen in original footage compiled by Yvette Vanson in her seminal 1985 documentary, The Battle for Orgreave.

The Guardian - Opinion

Van Gogh's L'allée des Alyscamps will be auctioned by Sotheby's, whose impressionist and modern art specialist Jeromiah Evarts described the painting as a "seminal work".

The Guardian - Arts

It's taken more than 50 years to get Highsmith's seminal – and once shocking – lesbian novel to cinemas.

The Guardian - Film

For a generation of England fans it instantly became a seminal goal (this correspondent still has a T-shirt with John Motson's commentary on it).

The Guardian - Sport

Different documents Snowden disclosed, published by the Washington Post, indicated that NSA takes data as it transits between Yahoo and Google data centers, an activity reportedly conducted not under Section 702 but under a seminal executive order known as 12333.

The Guardian

Cute! See, Fey's Palin impression was a big hit for the show back in 2008, got marvellous ratings, and will long be remembered as a seminal SNL moment – but not, as one might think, because Sarah Palin was some wacky, harmless goofball destined to be a delightful footnote in the annals of election history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seminal", ensure the subject truly represents a turning point or a major influence in its field. Overuse can dilute its impact.

Common error

Be careful not to describe something as "seminal" if its importance is only marginal or limited to a small group. The term should be reserved for truly transformative works or events.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "seminal" primarily functions to characterize a noun as being highly influential, foundational, and groundbreaking within a specific field or area of study. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples illustrating the word's application in describing significant works, events, and figures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seminal" is an adjective used to describe something highly influential and foundational. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently used in formal contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. When using "seminal", ensure that the subject truly represents a turning point or major influence. Alternative phrases include "groundbreaking" and "influential". Be cautious of overstating a subject's impact and avoid using the word in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

groundbreaking

Emphasizes the innovative and pioneering aspect.

pioneering

Stresses being the first or among the first to do something.

influential

Focuses on the power to affect or shape something.

innovative

Stresses the introduction of new ideas or methods.

foundational

Highlights the basic and fundamental nature of influence.

monumental

Highlights the lasting and significant impact.

formative

Indicates a role in shaping or developing something.

epoch-making

Implies a significant impact on a particular period or era.

benchmark

Indicates setting a standard against which others are measured.

original

Emphasizes the novelty and uniqueness of the contribution.

FAQs

How can I use "seminal" in a sentence?

You can use "seminal" to describe a work, event, or figure that has had a significant and lasting impact on a field. For example, "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" was a "seminal" work in the modern philosophy of science.

What's a less formal alternative to "seminal"?

While "seminal" carries a formal tone, you might use alternatives like "influential", "groundbreaking", or "foundational" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "seminal" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "seminal" is more suited to academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly formal or pretentious.

How does "seminal" differ from "important"?

"Important" indicates significance, while "seminal" suggests a more profound impact, implying that the subject has significantly influenced subsequent developments or thinking in its field.