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EFFECTIVE
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I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Existing in fact; not theoretical; real
Example:
confused increased equipment and expenditure with the quantity of effective work done
Classified under:
Similar:
actual; existent (presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively
Example:
the efficient cause of the revolution
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Similar:
competent (properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient)
Derivation:
effect (produce)
effectiveness; effectivity (power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Exerting force or influence
Example:
the law is already in effect (or in force)
Synonyms:
effective; good; in effect; in force
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
operative (being in force or having or exerting force)
Sense 4
Meaning:
Producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
Example:
an efficacious law
Synonyms:
effective; effectual; efficacious
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
hard-hitting; trenchant (characterized by or full of force and vigor)
impelling (markedly effective as if by emotional pressure)
impressive; telling (producing a strong effect)
rough-and-ready (crude but effective for the purpose at hand)
Also:
efficacious (marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect)
efficient (being effective without wasting time or effort or expense)
potent; stiff; strong (having a strong physiological or chemical effect)
powerful (having great power or force or potency or effect)
useful; utile (being of use or service)
Attribute:
effectiveness; effectivity; effectuality; effectualness (power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect)
Antonym:
ineffective (not producing an intended effect)
Derivation:
effect (produce)
effectiveness; effectivity (power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect)
Sense 5
Meaning:
Works well as a means or remedy
Example:
a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
efficacious (marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect)
Derivation:
effectiveness (power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect)
Sense 6
Meaning:
Ready for service
Example:
the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers
Classified under:
Adjectives
Similar:
operational ((military) of or intended for or involved in military operations)
Domain category:
armed forces; armed services; military; military machine; war machine (the military forces of a nation)
Context examples:
The amphibian chytrid fungus suppresses the immune responses of amphibian hosts, so many researchers doubted that amphibians could acquire effective immunity against this pathogen.
(Amphibians can acquire resistance to deadly fungus, NSF)
They found three different three-drug combinations that were effective against 10 common strains of multi-drug-resistant bacteria.
(Research on new, rapid screening test identifies potential therapies against drug-resistant bacteria, NIH)
Those drugs would be based on a naturally occurring molecule, so they could have few off-target effects — a common problem with manmade nucleotide analogs, which can be effective but also quite toxic.
(Scientists Discover How Antiviral Gene Works, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
Although there is much less of it in the air, it is 33 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere and adding to greenhouse warming.
(Alaska Shows No Signs of Rising Arctic Methane, NASA)
Similar in structure and activity to chloroquine, amodiaquine is effective against some chloroquine-resistant strains, particularly Plasmodium falciparum, the most deadly malaria parasite.
(Amodiaquine, NCI Thesaurus)
I mounted to my chamber; locked myself in; fell on my knees; and prayed in my way—a different way to St. John's, but effective in its own fashion.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
"Following a traditional Mediterranean diet that is high in plant-based foods and oily fish could be an easy, safe and effective way to reduce asthma symptoms in children," Professor Itsiopoulos said.
(Fish-Rich Diet Beneficial for Children with Asthma, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)
The ingredients thought to be in Cancell have been tested, and none of them have been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer.
(Cancell, NCI Dictionary)
By speeding the discovery process and translation of the best discoveries into clinical interventions, the CII will transform cancer care through more effective and efficient information exchanges among all involved in cancer research.
(Cancer Informatics Infrastructure, NCI Thesaurus)
Prognosis is variable depending on the effective treatment of the underlying neoplasm.
(Paraneoplastic syndrome, NCI Thesaurus)
