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

This effectively means drivers would work longer days, but fewer days each week and fewer overall hours each week.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

Now that the strait is effectively shut again, disruptions to the global supply of oil are likely to persist.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026

The law enforcement agencies tasked with serving and enforcing the orders often fail to do either effectively.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

At the stadium itself, parking is expected to be significantly reduced or repurposed, with traditional tailgating effectively eliminated.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

In many other situations, the performer is left to decide how to play the chord most effectively.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Related Words

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