Somewhat influential things, philosophically speaking (5)

I believe the answer is:

entia

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'somewhat influential things philosophically speaking' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'somewhat influential things' is the wordplay.
'somewhat' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ENTIA' is hidden within 'influential things'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for entia that I've seen is " Beings".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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