effective

Everyday

1. Something effective works well and gives the result you want. tree →
2. (formal) Effective from a time means starting to be in force or used from then. tree →
3. Effective can mean real or actual, even if not official. tree →

In the lessons

In science, pupils test which method is most effective (which soap cleans best). In health: "an effective medicine". In formal notices: "The new rule is effective immediately". Phrases: cost-effective, effective immediately, highly effective, take effect.

Examples

• This glue is very effective on wood. tree →
• Washing your hands is an effective way to stop germs. tree →
• Which paper towel was most effective at soaking up water? tree →
• The new timetable is effective from Monday. tree →
• Her speech was short but effective. tree →
• Sun cream is less effective if you don't put more on after swimming. tree →
• The cheaper shoes were just as effective. tree →
• Practising a little every day is more effective than cramming. tree →
• But their very familiarity and colloquialism make them remarkably effective with English-speaking little ones. tree →

Note

Starts with a vowel: "an effective way". Adverb: effectively. Noun: effectiveness. Trap: affect (verb) vs effect (noun); "effective" comes from "effect". "Efficient" is different: it means working well without wasting time or energy.