effectively

American  

[ih-fek-tiv-lee, ee-fek‐] / ɪˈfɛk tɪv li, iˈfɛk‐ /

adverb

1. in a way that accomplishes a purpose or produces the intended or expected results.

   These scissors are no longer sharp and do not cut effectively.

   You may not like all your coworkers, but you still have to learn to work effectively with them.

2. in actuality; in practice.

   Allowing the legislature to take existing money for schools and use it for other purposes effectively means there will be no new money for education.

3. in a way that produces a vivid impression; strikingly.

   The visually rich photographs are effectively displayed against the stark white gallery walls.

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Other Word Forms

• preeffectively adverb
• quasi-effectively adverb
• subeffectively adverb
• supereffectively adverb
• uneffectively adverb

Etymology

Origin of effectively

effective ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

Effectively is an adverb with two meanings; use it if you want to describe something that's done in an effective manner or as a replacement for words like "actually" or "basically." If wearing special gloves helps you catch a football more effectively, then it helps you get the job done better and more efficiently. People usually want to do their jobs more effectively. But this word can also mean actually or basically. If your grandparents are raising you, they are effectively your parents, and you are effectively their children. Whether they're raising you effectively in the first sense is another matter.

Example Sentences

Washington imposed the restrictions after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a passage where a fifth of the world’s oil once transited.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

If granted, the court effectively would allow the administration to revoke TPS for Haitian nationals.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

For starters, Chinese cars are effectively banned from the U.S. by high tariffs.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

He’s proposed the Fed sell off the bulk of its assets and print less money, moves he argues will effectively shift the power to set interest rates to the private market.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The horses slowed to the slowest walk as the path became a stream, and the heavy rain cut off all vision as effectively as the thickest fog.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman

Related Words

• adequately
• completely
• definitely
• dramatically
• energetically
• finally
• forcefully
• productively