effective Definition
ef·fec·tive (e fek′tiv, i-; often ē-, ə-)
adjective
- having an effect; producing a result
- producing a definite or desired result; efficient
- in effect; operative; active
- actual, not merely potential or theoretical
- making a striking impression; impressive
- equipped and ready for combat
Etymology: ME & OFr effectif < L effectivus
noun
a soldier, unit, etc. equipped and ready for combat: usually used in pl.
effective Related Forms
effective Synonyms
effective
modif.
Antonyms
effective is applied to that which produces a definite effect or result an effective speaker; efficacious refers to that which is capable of producing the desired effect or result an efficacious remedy; effectual specifically implies the production of the desired effect or result in a decisive manner an effectual reply to his charge; efficient implies skill and economy of energy in producing the desired result and when applied to persons implies competence an efficient machine, an efficient worker
effective Usage Examples
Preposition: against
- strain: It is also effective against clinically important strains of yeasts and fungi ( Wright, Lam, Hansen & Burrell, 1999 ).
- pest: A cheaper and safer alternative to chemical control has proved highly effective against several key insect pests.
Modifies a noun
- way: Charley wants to discover an effective way of freezing soft fruit in the hope of making a fortune.
- communication: It highlights the importance of effective communication between all partners in the learning process.
- solution: There is no more discreet solution for a car or more effective solution for a motorcycle.
- treatment: Without long term research we are never going to find a cure or effective treatments.
- method: A thorough examination of the scalp with a comb is the most effective method.
- strategy: Thatâs why an effective customer retention strategy is central to the success of any business.
Modifying Another Word
- highly: The end result appears to have been a highly effective local militia.
- extremely: A message made in a familiar voice has proved to be extremely effective.
- clinically: After stroke, rehabilitation programs biasing motor recovery may not be clinically effective in achieving maximal walking capacity for those with hemianopia.
Used with adjective complement
- prove: A cheaper and safer alternative to chemical control has proved highly effective against several key insect pests.
- become: Ian Gunn prepared a detailed advice pursuant to Part 40 CPR Practice Direction, which became effective in October 2003.
- cost: All of these are easily proved to be cost effective for all businesses.
- appear: In laboratories with highly standardized testing and quality assurance procedures, this protocol appears highly effective.
- seem: I got the idea after viewing a couple of American websites belonging to other tonsil cancer patients and the sites seemed effective.
Preposition: if
misuser: Evidence suggests that treatment is more likely to be effective if drug misusers stay in treatment for at least 12 weeks.
Preposition: for
species: Effective for all species at all ages; housing, equipment, food storage and transport, game larders, and in drinking water.
Preposition: than
- true/false: This " learning by doing ' " model is far more effective than the traditional true/false, multiple choice approach.
- callvote: The complexity and lack of awareness means this is somewhat unusual, and anyway the kick is 2mins more effective than a callvote.
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