'Effective' definitions:

Definition of 'effective'

From: WordNet
adjective
Producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect; "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" [syn: effective, effectual, efficacious] [ant: ineffective, ineffectual, uneffective]
adjective
Able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively; "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" [syn: effective, efficient]
adjective
Works well as a means or remedy; "an effective reprimand"; "a lotion that is effective in cases of prickly heat"
adjective
Exerting force or influence; "the law is effective immediately"; "a warranty good for two years"; "the law is already in effect (or in force)" [syn: effective, good, in effect(p), in force(p)]
adjective
Existing in fact; not theoretical; real; "a decline in the effective demand"; "confused increased equipment and expenditure with the quantity of effective work done"
adjective
Ready for service; "the fort was held by about 100 effective soldiers"

Definition of 'Effective'

From: GCIDE
  • Effective \Ef*fect"ive\, a. [L. effectivus: cf. F. effectif.] 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. [1913 Webster]
  • They are not effective of anything, nor leave no work behind them. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
  • Whosoever is an effective, real cause of doing his heighbor wrong, is criminal. --Jer. Taylor.
  • Syn: Efficient; forcible; active; powerful; energetic; competent. See Effectual. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Effective'

From: GCIDE
  • Effective \Ef*fect"ive\, n.
  • 1. That which produces a given effect; a cause. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. One who is capable of active service. [1913 Webster]
  • He assembled his army -- 20,000 effectives -- at Corinth. --W. P. Johnston. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. The serviceable soldiers in a country; an army or any military body, collectively; as, France's effective. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]