effective
gb/ɪfˈɛktɪv/ us/ɪfˈɛktɪv/
B1
English
~ 1100
hatékony, eredményes, hatásos, hatályos, érvényes, tényleges, de facto
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is effective at [doing something]
This new medicine is highly effective against the virus.
Ez az új gyógyszer nagyon hatékony a vírus ellen.
The training program was effective in improving staff performance.
A képzési program hatékonynak bizonyult a munkatársak teljesítményének javításában.
Her speech was effective in changing public opinion.
Regular exercise is effective at reducing stress.
The new policy proved effective after just a few weeks.
Learner examples
The new rules are effective in schools.
Az új szabályok hatékonyak az iskolákban.
This cream is effective for dry skin.
Ez a krém hatásos a száraz bőrre.
Exercise is effective for good health.
The plan is effective and easy to follow.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'effective' with 'efficient'. 'Effective' means it works well, while 'efficient' means it works well with little waste.
Meaning
Producing the desired result
Collocations
highly effective
|effective method
|effective strategy
|effective communication
|effective treatment
Synonyms
successful (Emphasizes achieving a goal, sometimes with broader scope than 'effective'.)
|
efficient (Focuses on achieving results with minimal waste of time or resources.)
Antonyms
ineffective (Direct opposite; fails to produce the intended result.)
|
useless (Stronger and more negative; of no practical use.)
Themes
business
|daily life
|problem solving
|core_vocabulary
|work
Definition
Able to produce the result you want.
Producing the intended or expected result; successful in bringing about a desired effect.
B2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
effective [date/time]
The new law will be effective from January 1st.
Az új törvény január 1-jétől lesz hatályos.
The changes are effective immediately.
A változások azonnal hatályba lépnek.
Her promotion is effective as of next Monday.
The policy becomes effective upon signature.
Learner examples
The rule is effective today.
A szabály mától hatályos.
My new job is effective next week.
A jövő héten kezdek az új állásomban.
The law is effective from May 1.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with 'effective' meaning 'good at producing results'; here it refers to the start of official use.
Meaning
In operation from a given time
Collocations
effective immediately
|effective date
|effective from
|effective as of
Synonyms
operative (More technical/legal term for being in force.)
Antonyms
expired (No longer valid or in effect.)
Themes
law
|business
Definition
Starting to be used or done from a certain time.
Officially operative, valid, or in force from a specific date or time.
C1
FORMAL
3
He is the country's effective ruler, though not elected.
Ő az ország tényleges vezetője, bár nem választották meg.
They have effective control over the region.
Tényleges ellenőrzést gyakorolnak a régió felett.
She became the effective head of the department after her boss resigned.
Learner examples
She is the effective boss here.
Itt ő a tényleges főnök.
He has effective control of the team.
Ténylegesen ő irányítja a csapatot.
They are the effective leaders now.
Meaning
Existing in fact, not formally recognized
Collocations
effective leader (de facto)
|effective control
|effective power
Synonyms
actual (Emphasizes real existence regardless of formal status.)
Antonyms
nominal (Refers to something existing in name only without real power or effect.)
Themes
law
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Real or true in fact, even if not official.
Existing in reality or fact, even if not officially acknowledged or recorded.
Grammar
Dictionary form
effective
IPA
GB/ɪfˈɛktɪv/
US/ɪfˈɛktɪv/
Syllables & stress
ef - fect - ive (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fect)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: effective
Word family
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
effective date
1/ɪfˈɛktɪv dˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
formal
Official start date of something
The day when something starts to be used or done by law or rule.
Examples
- The contract's effective date is July 1st.
- Check the policy's effective date before signing.
effective immediately
1/ɪfˈɛktɪv ɪmˈidiɪtli/
fixed phrase
formal
Starting now without delay
Starting right now, without waiting.
Examples
- Your suspension is effective immediately.
- The price increase is effective immediately.