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

White walls would cede to green foliage, effectively camouflaging the facade—but also playing into the hands of critics.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Addressing both Aβ and Tau may be necessary to slow disease progression more effectively.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

A bounce-back in prices and renewed volatility were triggered by reports that said the Strait or Hormuz remains effectively closed and possibly primed for a toll on traffic collected by either Iran or the U.S..

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Since the war began on 28 February, Tehran has effectively blocked the shipping lane through which about a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas usually passes, causing disruption to the global economy.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Will work to become knowledgeable in areas of their current job responsibility and put efforts in trying to communicate effectively.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

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