efectivo

Lemma Details

Translation: effective; efficient; cash; actual; real

Part of Speech: adjective

Etymology: Derived from Latin 'effectivus', from 'effectus' (accomplishment, effect), past participle of 'efficere' (to accomplish, bring about). It shares the same Latin root as the English words 'effect', 'effective', and 'efficacy'. The meaning related to money (cash) developed from the idea of something that produces immediate, tangible results.

Commonality: 90%

Guessability: 80%

Register: neutral

Mnemonics

  • Think 'effect-ivo' - something that produces an effect is effective.
  • For the cash meaning, imagine that cash has an immediate effect when you pay with it.

Related Words, Phrases & Idioms

en efectivo

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hacer efectivo

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efectividad

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efectivamente

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Synonyms

eficaz

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dinero en metálico

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real

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Antonyms

ineficaz

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crédito

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ficticio

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Cultural Context

In Spanish-speaking countries, 'efectivo' is commonly used in financial contexts to refer specifically to cash payments, as opposed to card or digital payments. The phrase 'pago en efectivo' (cash payment) is very common in retail and service industries.

Easily Confused With

afectivo

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Commonality: 0%

Explanation: 'Efectivo' means effective or cash, while 'afectivo' relates to emotions or affection.

Notes: The pronunciation is very similar, differing only in the first vowel sound.

Mnemonic: 'Afectivo' starts with 'A' for 'Affection'; 'Efectivo' starts with 'E' for 'Effective'.

efecto

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No translation

Commonality: 0%

Explanation: 'Efectivo' is an adjective meaning effective or a noun meaning cash, while 'efecto' is a noun meaning effect or result.

Notes: Both words share the same Latin root related to accomplishment and results.

Mnemonic: 'Efecto' is the result, 'efectivo' is what produces results (or the cash that produces immediate results in transactions).