adjective
effective
ih-FEK-tiv/ɪˈfektɪv/
Successful in producing the intended result.
The umbrella is effective at keeping the person dry in the rain.
Etymology
“Out” and “make” combine in a Latin verb meaning “work out, accomplish.” Effective describes something that carries an intention through to accomplishment: it produces the result aimed at.
In context
Reciprocation is an extremely effective technique to stimulate a relationship of favor-giving and compliance. It works in a very straight-forward way: you should try to repay, in kind, what another person has provided to you.
More examples
- This cleaner is effective at removing grease.
- The treatment is more effective when started early.
- An effective teacher makes difficult ideas easy to understand.
Forms
effective · more effective · most effective
effectively adverb — In a way that achieves intended results.
effectiveness noun — The degree to which something achieves intended results.
Similar words
- successful
- Emphasizes achieving a goal rather than producing an intended effect.
- efficient
- Adds the idea of minimizing wasted time, effort, or resources.