How to Pronounce Effective

To pronounce "effective", say EFF-ect-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /əˈfɛktɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

effective

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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4

Syllables

9

Letters

/əˈfɛktɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “effective”

"effective" has 4 syllables: eff-ect-iv-e. It rhymes with objective and perspective, if that helps it stick.

What does effective mean?

noun

  1. A soldier fit for duty

adjective

  1. Having the power to produce a required effect or effects.

    “The pill is an effective method of birth control.”

  2. Producing a decided or decisive effect.

    “The president delivered an effective speech!”

Synonyms

efficacious

Hear “effective” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with effective

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

objectiveperspectivecollectiveprospectivereflectiveintrospectivedefectiveinvectivesubjectiveineffectiveretrospectiveaffective

Related words

efficaciouseffectualoperativecompetentoperationalefficientactualimpressive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "effective"?▾

"Effective" has 4 syllables: eff · ect · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "effective"?▾

The IPA transcription of "effective" is /əˈfɛktɪv/.

What does "effective" mean?▾

Effective: A soldier fit for duty

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