effective
[ih-fek-tiv]
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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RELATED WORDS
useful, impressive, efficient, sufficient, powerful, direct, potent, practical, competent, valid, compelling, active, adequate, forceful, dynamic, effectual, efficacious, able, capable, cogent
Nearby words
- effable,
- efface,
- effect,
- effected,
- effecter,
- effective conjugate,
- effective current,
- effective dose,
- effective half-life,
- effective osmotic pressure
Origin of effective
SYNONYMS FOR effective
1. capable, competent. 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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for effective
effective
adjective
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
effective
late 14c., from French effectif, from Latin effectivus "productive, effective," from effect-, stem of efficere (see effect (n.)). Effectively in the sense of "actually" is attested by 1650s. Related: Effectivity.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper