Standard Lemma guide

effectual

adj · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /iˈfɛkt͡ʃuəl/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Producing the intended result; entirely adequate.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adjective

Meaning 2

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect-LewisMumford

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • an air-cooled motor was more effective than a witch's broomstick for rapid long-distance transportation
  • effective teaching methods
  • effective steps toward peace
  • made an effective entrance
  • his complaint proved to be effectual in bringing action
  • an efficacious law

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: effective, efficacious

Antonyms: none provided

3

adjective satellite

Meaning 3

having legal efficacy or force

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • a sound title to the property

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: legal, sound

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Middle English effectual, effectuel, from Old French effectuel, from Late Latin effectualis.