What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
effectual
Example
The new medication proved to be effectual in treating the patient's symptoms. [effectual: adjective]
Example
The effectual implementation of the new policy led to increased productivity. [effectual: noun]
powerful
Example
The hurricane was a powerful force that caused widespread damage. [powerful: adjective]
Example
The powerful speech inspired the audience to take action. [powerful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Powerful is more commonly used than effectual in everyday language. Powerful is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while effectual is less common and more formal, typically used in professional or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between effectual and powerful?
Effectual is more formal than powerful, and is often used in professional or academic contexts where precision and efficiency are emphasized. Powerful is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.