In reply to:

And, perhaps also not unexpectedly, that dictionary maker of another orotund era -- Johnson -- uttered the word at least once within Boswell's hearing, almost 200 years after Sidney let loose with it: "I should probably be put to death without effectuating my purpose."

At the end of the entry he notes that Garner's Modern American Usage finds a subtle difference of emaning between effect and effectuate, but many stylists feel as you do.

If it's good enough for Sir Philip and Mr Johnson, it's good enough for the rest of us.

And when, pray, was Samuel Johnson stripped of his doctorate?


Bingley


Bingley