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effective - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'effective' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Effective [ a.]
- Having the power to produce an effect or effects; producing a decided or decisive effect; efficient; serviceable; operative; as, an effective force, remedy, speech; the effective men in a regiment.
2 . Effective [ n.]
- That which produces a given effect; a cause.
- One who is capable of active service.
- Specie or coin, as distinguished from paper currency; -- a term used in many parts of Europe.

Meaning of 'effective' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . effective [ a]
Meaning (1):
- producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
Example in sentence:
  • an air-cooled motor was more effective than a witch's broomstick for rapid long-distance transportation;
  • an efficacious law;
  • effective steps toward peace;
  • effective teaching methods;
  • his complaint proved to be effectual in bringing action;
  • made an effective entrance
2 . effective [ s]
Meaning (2):
- existing in fact; not theoretical; real
Example in sentence:
  • a decline in the effective demand;
  • confused increased equipment and expenditure with the quantity of effective work done
Meaning (3):
- works well as a means or remedy
Example in sentence:
  • a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat;
  • an effective reprimand
Meaning (4):
- exerting force or influence
Example in sentence:
  • a warranty good for two years;
  • the law is already in effect (or in force);
  • the law is effective immediately
Meaning (5):
- able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively
Example in sentence:
  • an efficient secretary;
  • effective personnel;
  • people who will do nothing unless they get something out of it for themselves are often highly effective persons...;
  • the efficient cause of the revolution
Meaning (6):
- ready for service
Example in sentence:
  • the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers

Nearby Words:

effable efface effaceable effaced effacement effacing effascinate effascination effect effected

See 'effective' also in:

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