The word "efficient" is spelled with three syllables: /ɪˈfɪʃənt/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "hit." The second syllable is pronounced with a "f" sound and a long "i" sound, as in "feel." The final syllable is pronounced with a "sh" sound, like in "fish," and a short "ə" sound, which is the unstressed "uh" sound. This spelling reflects the word's origins in Latin, where the prefix "ef-" means "out" and the stem "-fic-" means "to make."
Efficient is an adjective that is used to describe the ability to accomplish something with minimal waste of time, effort, or resources. It refers to being effective, capable, and productive in achieving desired results or goals.
In practical terms, efficiency pertains to maximizing output or productivity while minimizing input or resource usage. An efficient person, system, or process is one that accomplishes tasks quickly and smoothly, utilizing resources such as time, energy, money, or materials optimally. It involves organizing and managing resources in an effective and orderly manner to achieve the most favorable outcome.
Efficiency is often associated with effectiveness but differs in focus. While effectiveness gauges the extent of achieving desired goals, efficiency emphasizes the utilization of resources in reaching those goals. An efficient person, for example, is skilled at organizing tasks, prioritizing them effectively, and completing them within the stipulated time frame.
In various contexts, such as business, technology, or economics, efficiency is highly valued as it contributes to reducing costs, improving productivity, and enhancing overall performance. An efficiently run organization, for instance, would have streamlined processes and minimal waste, enabling it to compete more effectively in the market.
Overall, efficiency embodies the concept of accomplishing tasks or goals in the most practical, productive, and resourceful manner possible.
• Producing effects; able; competent; material.
• That which produces effects; he that makes.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word efficient originated from the Latin word efficiens, which is the present participle of the verb efficere. Efficere is a compound verb formed from ex (meaning out) and facere (meaning to make or to do). Therefore, the etymology of efficient can be traced back to its Latin roots, indicating the idea of making or doing something well or accomplishing a task successfully.