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Effective: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes
Meaning 1：produces the desired result (effective)
effective
/ɪˈfektɪv/
adj.
Something that works well and achieves what you want.
produces the desired result
➕
/prəˈdjuːsɪz ðə dɪˈzaɪəd rɪˈzʌlt/
adj.
Describes something that is successful in achieving its intended purpose or goal.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'effectivus' (productive), from 'efficere' (to accomplish), from 'ex-' (out) + 'facere' (to do).
💡 Mnemonic
EFFECTive = Has the desired EFFECT. Remember the main part of the word is 'effect' (result).
📖 Example
This new brand of dish soap is very effective; it cleans the greasy pans with just a little bit.
This new dish soap works very well; a small amount cleans greasy pans completely.
🔗 Collocations
effective method – a way of doing something that achieves good results
effective immediately – starting to apply or be in force right now
cost-effective – giving a good result or profit for the money spent
🔄 Synonyms
efficient (adj.) – working in a well-organized and competent way without wasting time or energy
productive (adj.) – achieving a significant amount or result
potent (adj.) – having great power, influence, or effect (often for medicines, chemicals, or arguments)
🚫 Antonyms
ineffective (adj.) – not producing any or the desired effect
useless (adj.) – not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose
fruitless (adj.) – failing to achieve the desired results; unproductive
🌱 Derivatives
effectively (adv.) – in a way that produces the intended result
effectiveness (n.) – the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result
effect (n./v.) – (n.) a change which is a result of an action; (v.) to cause something to happen
📖 Cultural Story
The term 'effective' originates from the Latin word 'effectivus,' meaning 'productive' or 'creative,' which itself derives from 'efficere' ('to accomplish'). It entered English in the 14th century, initially meaning 'capable of producing a result.' This focus on tangible outcomes shifted over centuries from a general sense of 'productive' to its modern primary sense of 'successful in producing a desired result,' reflecting an increasing cultural emphasis on efficiency and measurable success.
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