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effect

noun
ef·​fect | \ i-ˈfekt How to pronounce effect (audio) , e-, Ä“-, É™-\

Definition of effect

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : something that inevitably follows an antecedent (such as a cause or agent)
2a : a distinctive impression the color gives the effect of being warm
b : the creation of a desired impression her tears were purely for effect
c(1) : something designed to produce a distinctive or desired impression —usually used in plural
(2) effects plural : special effects
3 : the quality or state of being operative : operation the law goes into effect next week
4 : power to bring about a result : influence the content itself of television … is therefore less important than its effect — Current Biography
5 effects plural : movable property : goods personal effects
6 : an outward sign : appearance
7 : accomplishment, fulfillment
8a : purport, intent
b : basic meaning : essence
in effect
: in substance : virtually the … committee agreed to what was in effect a reduction in the hourly wage — Current Biography
to the effect
: with the meaning issued a statement to the effect that he would resign

effect

verb
effected; effecting; effects

Definition of effect (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to cause to come into being
2a : to bring about often by surmounting obstacles : accomplish effect a settlement of a dispute
b : to put into operation the duty of the legislature to effect the will of the citizens
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Effect vs. Affect: Usage Guide More Example Sentences Learn More about effect

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Choose the Right Synonym for effect

Verb

perform, execute, discharge, accomplish, achieve, effect, fulfill mean to carry out or into effect. perform implies action that follows established patterns or procedures or fulfills agreed-upon requirements and often connotes special skill. performed gymnastics execute stresses the carrying out of what exists in plan or in intent. executed the hit-and-run discharge implies execution and completion of appointed duties or tasks. discharged his duties accomplish stresses the successful completion of a process rather than the means of carrying it out. accomplished everything they set out to do achieve adds to accomplish the implication of conquered difficulties. achieve greatness effect adds to achieve an emphasis on the inherent force in the agent capable of surmounting obstacles. effected sweeping reforms fulfill implies a complete realization of ends or possibilities. fulfilled their ambitions

Effect vs. Affect: Usage Guide

Verb

Effect and affect are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation. The verb affect entry 3 usually has to do with pretense. she affected a cheery disposition despite feeling down The more common verb affect entry 1 denotes having an effect or influence. the weather affected everyone's mood The verb effect goes beyond mere influence; it refers to actual achievement of a final result. the new administration hopes to effect a peace settlement The uncommon noun affect, which has a meaning relating to psychology, is also sometimes mistakenly used for the very common effect. In ordinary use, the noun you will want is effect. waiting for the new law to take effect the weather had an effect on everyone's mood

Examples of effect in a Sentence

Noun

 The nation's most solvent individuals—private-equity barons—have not been immune from the ill effects of the credit crunch. — Daniel Gross, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2008 In the Spanish conquest of the Incas, guns played only a minor role.  … They did produce a big psychological effect on those occasions when they managed to fire. — Jared M. Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel, 1997 Economic effects of such high speed change are also unpre

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