Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Effectual \Ef*fec"tu*al\ (?; 135), a. [See Effect, n.]
Producing, or having adequate power or force to produce, an
intended effect; adequate; efficient; operative; decisive.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Effectual steps for the suppression of the rebellion.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
Effectual calling (Theol.), a doctrine concerning the work
of the Holy Spirit in producing conviction of sin and
acceptance of salvation by Christ, -- one of the five
points of Calvinism. See Calvinism.
Syn: Effectual, Efficacious, Effective.
Usage: An efficacious remedy is had recourse to, and proves
effective if it does decided good, effectual if it
does all the good desired. --C. J. Smith.
[1913 Webster]
effectual
adj 1: producing or capable of producing an intended result or
having a striking effect; "an air-cooled motor was more
effective than a witch's broomstick for rapid long-
distance transportation"-LewisMumford; "effective
teaching methods"; "effective steps toward peace"; "made
an effective entrance"; "his complaint proved to be
effectual in bringing action"; "an efficacious law" [syn:
effective, effectual, efficacious] [ant:
ineffective, ineffectual, uneffective]
2: having legal efficacy or force; "a sound title to the
property" [syn: legal, sound, effectual]