affective
adjective
relating to moods, feelings and attitudes
“Seasonal affective disorder is linked to daylight.”
Easily mixed meanings
affective vs effective
Effective means it works; affective is a technical word meaning relating to emotions or moods.
effective
adjective
successful in producing a result
“Flashcards are an effective study method.”
Try it: which word fits?
Drop each word into the blank. The explanation tells you why one works and the other doesn't.
This cleaner is very ______ on grease.
Sentence 1 of 3
Fresh practice sentences
Five new sentences written for you by AI each time you ask. Pick the right word for each blank.
Questions about affective vs effective
What is the difference between affective and effective?
Effective means it works; affective is a technical word meaning relating to emotions or moods.
How do I remember affective vs effective?
Effective, like effect, is about results. Affective, like the psychology noun "affect", is about emotion.
Are there exceptions?
Outside psychology, linguistics and education, you almost always want effective.
Still unsure?
Paste your own sentence and the tutor will explain which word it needs, and why.