ENGLISH
REFERENCE

effectively

adv.
US //ˈifɛktɪvɫi// UK //ɪfˈɛktɪvli// ef·fec·tive·ly
  1. 1 successfully (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    in a way that produces the result you want.

    in a manner that achieves the desired effect or intended result.

    Example

    The new law effectively reduced the amount of plastic waste in the city.

    Example

    The marketing team effectively communicated the brand's core values to a younger demographic, resulting in a significant increase in seasonal sales.

    • ineffectively
    • uselessly
    Pitfall
    He works very effective.
    He works very effectively.

    Use the adverb 'effectively' to describe how someone works, not the adjective 'effective'.

  2. 2 in reality (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    used to say what the real situation is, even if it is not official.

    used to describe a situation that is true for all practical purposes, though not perhaps officially or theoretically.

    Example

    The two companies have merged, so they are effectively one big business now.

    Example

    Although the treaty has not been signed yet, the two nations are effectively at peace as all hostilities have ceased.

    Usage

    Often placed at the beginning of a clause or before the main verb to qualify the entire situation.

Origin

From effective + -ly.

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