effectively
ih-FEK-tiv-lee
/ɪˈfɛktɪvli/
In a manner that achieves a desired result; or practically speaking / in reality.
Can mean 'in a successful manner' or 'for all practical purposes' (e.g., 'he effectively rules the country').
The story behind the word. Formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to 'effective' in Early Modern English to describe actions carried out to fulfillment.
Word relationships
- practically: Practically stresses virtual truth, whereas effectively emphasizes actual operational outcome.
- ineffectively: In a manner that fails to accomplish goals.
Commonly confused with
- efficiently: Effectively means successfully achieving the end; efficiently means doing so without wasting resources.
Word family
- effective (adjective): Successful in producing a desired result.
Collocations
- work effectively
- communicate effectively
- effectively ban
- effectively rule
Example sentences
- "The leader effectively communicated the strategy to all corporate departments." Communication
Memory hook
Effectively = Effect + Fully achieved. Effectively accomplishes the task completely.
When not to use
Avoid overloading in writing when 'virtually' or 'practically' is more precise.
Fun facts
- In legal and diplomatic contexts, 'effectively' often means 'in practice, though not officially on paper'.
Explore more words
efficacy, ineffectual, competency, actionable, purposeful, Virtual
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