adv · 2 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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Received-Pronunciation:/ɪˈfɛktʃuəli/
Received-Pronunciation:/ɪˈfɛktjʊəli/
US:/ɪˈfɛkt͡ʃuːəli/
US:/iːˈfɛkt͡ʃʊəli/
US:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
Australia:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
1
adv
Meaning 1
In such a way as to achieve a desired result; effectively; so as to have an effect.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
adverb
Meaning 2
in an effectual manner
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Examples
Bismarck was constantly criticised by the more liberal newspapers, and he retaliated by passing an emergency decree that effectually muzzled the press
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: ineffectually
History
Etymology
Etymology tree English effectual Middle English -ly English -ly English effectually From effectual + -ly.
Across languages
Translations
3 source translations are retained for this English entry.
Italian:
efficacemente
— in such a way as to achieve a desired result
Spanish:
eficazmente
— in such a way as to achieve a desired result
Swedish:
effektivt
— in such a way as to achieve a desired result