effective
effective Lexical Profile
effective Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Successful in producing a desired or intended result.
"The new teaching method proved highly effective in improving student comprehension."
Coming into operation or officially taking effect from a specified time (especially of a law, rule, or policy).
"The revised safety regulations will become effective at the beginning of next month."
Fulfilling a specified function in practice or reality, though not formally or explicitly acknowledged as such.
"Following the director's sudden retirement, the deputy assumed effective control of the agency."
Producing a strong, vivid, or favorable impression on an audience or observer.
"The keynote speaker delivered a simple yet remarkably effective closing argument."
• noun
A soldier or piece of equipment that is fit and ready for active service (usually used in the plural).
"The commander reviewed the roster to determine the total number of effectives available for deployment."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'effective' (producing the intended result) with 'efficient' (achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense), nor with 'effectual' (which applies specifically to legal validity or conclusive outcomes).
• Rhymes for effective
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Latin 'effectivus' (productive or effectual), derived from 'efficere' (to work out or accomplish), a compound of 'ex-' (out) and 'facere' (to make or do).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.