effective
[ ih-fek-tiv ]
/ ɪˈfɛk tɪv /
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.
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.
OTHER WORDS FROM effective
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH effective
affective effective (see synonym study at the current entry)Words nearby effective
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