Effect Definition

ĭ-fĕkt
effected, effecting, effects
noun
effects
Anything brought about by a cause or agent; result.
Webster's New World
The power or ability to bring about results; efficacy.
A law of little effect.
Webster's New World
Influence or action on something.
The drug had a cathartic effect.
Webster's New World
Advantage; avail.
Used her words to great effect in influencing the jury.
American Heritage
The impression produced on the mind of the observer or hearer, as by artistic design or manner of speaking, acting, etc.
To do something just for effect.
Webster's New World
verb
effected, effecting, effects
To bring about; produce as a result; cause; accomplish.
To effect a compromise.
Webster's New World

Common misspelling of affect.

Wiktionary
Antonyms:
idiom
in effect
  • In essence; to all purposes:

    testimony that in effect contradicted her earlier statement.

American Heritage
to the effect that
  • With the general meaning that:

    He said something to the effect that he was sorry.

American Heritage
give effect to
  • to put into practice; make operative
Webster's New World
in effect
  • in result; actually; in fact
  • in essence; virtually
Webster's New World
take effect
  • to begin to produce results; become operative
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Effect

Noun

Singular:
effect
Plural:
effects

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Effect

Origin of Effect

  • For verb: from Latin effectus, perfect passive participle of efficiō (“accomplish, complete, do, effect”), from ex (“out”) + faciō (“do, make”); see fact and compare affect, infect.

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English from Old French from Latin effectus from past participle of efficere to accomplish ex- ex- facere to make dhē- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • For noun: from Old French effect (French: effet), from Latin effectus, from efficiō (“accomplish, complete, effect”); see effect as a verb.

    From Wiktionary

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