Dictionary.com

effective

[ ih-fek-tiv ]
/ ɪˈfɛk tɪv /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR effective ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result: effective teaching methods; effective steps toward peace.
actually in operation or in force; functioning: The law becomes effective at midnight.
producing a deep or vivid impression; striking: an effective photograph.
prepared and available for service, especially military service.

noun

a member of the armed forces fit for duty or active service.
the effective total of a military force.

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What does “blatherskite” mean?
a person given to voluble, empty talk.
an ancient Greek or Roman farce that depended for effect largely upon ludicrous actions and gestures.
a check whose amount has been raised by forgery before cashing.
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Origin of effective

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Latin effectīvus “practical,” equivalent to effect(us), past participle of efficere (see effect) + -īvus -ive

synonym study for effective

1. Effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient refer to that which is able to produce a (desired) effect. Effective is applied to that which has the power to, or which actually does, produce an effect: an effective action, remedy, speech. Effectual is used especially of that which produces the effect desired or intended, or a decisive result: An effectual bombardment silenced the enemy. Efficacious suggests the capability of achieving a certain end: an efficacious plan, medicine. Efficient (applied also to persons) implies the skillful use of energy or industry to accomplish desired results with little waste of effort: efficient methods; an efficient manager. 2. operative. 3. telling.

OTHER WORDS FROM effective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH effective

affective, effective

Words nearby effective

efavirenz, eff, effable, efface, effect, effective, effective conjugate, effective current, effective dose, effective half-life, effective osmotic pressure
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to effective

useful, impressive, efficient, sufficient, powerful, direct, potent, practical, competent, valid, compelling, active, adequate, forceful, dynamic, effectual, efficacious, able, capable, cogent

Example sentences from the Web for effective

British Dictionary definitions for effective

effective
/ (ɪˈfɛktɪv) /

adjective

noun

a serviceman who is equipped and prepared for action

Derived forms of effective

effectively, adverbeffectiveness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012