effective Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Ef*fect"ive adjective
Etymology
L. effectivus: cf. F. effectif.
Definitions
  1. 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.
    They are not effective of anything, nor leave no work behind them. Bacon.
    Whosoever is an effective, real cause of doing his heighbor wrong, is criminal. Jer. Taylor.
    Syn. -- Efficient; forcible; active; powerful; energetic; competent. See Effectual.
Ef*fect"ive noun
Definitions
  1. That which produces a given effect; a cause. Jer. Taylor.
  2. One who is capable of active service.
    He assembled his army -- 20,000 effectives -- at Corinth. W. P. Johnston.
  3. F. effectif real, effective, real amount. (Com.) Specie or coin, as distinguished from paper currency; -- a term used in many parts of Europe. Simmonds.

Webster 1913