effective
1ef·fec·tive
adj \i-ˈfek-tiv, e-, ē-, ə-\Definition of EFFECTIVE
1
a : producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect <an effective policy> b : impressive, striking <a gold lamé fabric studded with effective…precious stones — Stanley Marcus>
2
: ready for service or action <effective manpower>
3
: actual <the need to increase effective demand for goods>
4
: being in effect : operative <the tax becomes effective next year>
5
of a rate of interest : equal to the rate of simple interest that yields the same amount when the interest is paid once at the end of the interest period as a quoted rate of interest does when calculated at compound interest over the same period — compare nominal 4
— ef·fec·tive·ness noun
— ef·fec·tiv·i·ty \ˌe-ˌfek-ˈti-və-tē, i-, ē-, ə-\ noun
Examples of EFFECTIVE
- It's a simple but effective technique.
- He gave an effective speech.
- These commercials were extremely effective as marketing tools, but we now know that chocolate swimming pools and candy-coating showers play no part in the manufacture of real M&M's. Instead, the ellipsoid chocolate centers of plain M&M's are formed by machines. —David Owen, Atlantic, October 1988
- My feeling is that by waiting for the right moment to let rip, a film is infinitely more effective, especially with characters you have come to like. —Clive Barker, in Cinefantastique, September 1987
- But Tammy's most effective remedy for stress, both then and now, was the same as Imelda Marcos's: shopping up a storm. “It's kind of a hobby to help my nerves,” she explained … —Jean Seligman, Newsweek, 8 June 1987
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Origin of EFFECTIVE
(see 1effect)
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to EFFECTIVE
Antonyms: fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficient, inoperative, unfruitful, unproductive, useless
Related Words: hyperefficient, ultraefficient; adequate, capable, competent; accomplished, adept, consummate, experienced, expert, masterly, practiced (also practised), proficient, skilled, skillful, versed, veteran, virtuoso; cogent, convincing, killer, sound, striking, telling, valid; active, dynamic; useful, working; applicable, feasible, functional, practicable, practical, realizable, usable (also useable), workable
Near Antonyms: counterproductive; incapable, incompetent, inexperienced, inexpert, unqualified, unseasoned, unskilled, unskillful; abortive, bootless, futile, vain; empty, hollow, idle, pointless, unavailing, unprofitable, unsuccessful; inoperative, worthless
Synonym Discussion of EFFECTIVE
effective, effectual, efficient, efficacious mean producing or capable of producing a result. effective stresses the actual production of or the power to produce an effect <an effective rebuttal>. effectual suggests the accomplishment of a desired result especially as viewed after the fact <the measures to stop the pilfering proved effectual>. efficient suggests an acting or a potential for action or use in such a way as to avoid loss or waste of energy in effecting, producing, or functioning <an efficient small car>. efficacious suggests possession of a special quality or virtue that gives effective power <a detergent that is efficacious in removing grease>.
Rhymes with EFFECTIVE
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