I. i-ˈfekt, e-, ē-, ə- noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin effectus, from efficere to bring about, from ex- + facere to make, do — more at do
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : purport , intent
b. : basic meaning : essence
2. : something that inevitably follows an antecedent (as a cause or agent)
3. : an outward sign : appearance
4. : accomplishment , fulfillment
5. : power to bring about a result : influence
the content itself of television…is therefore less important than its effect — Current Biography
6. plural : movable property : goods
personal effect s
7.
a. : 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) plural : special effects
8. : the quality or state of being operative : operation
the law goes into effect next week
•
- in effect
- to the effect
II. transitive verb
Date: 1533
1. : to cause to come into being
2.
a. : 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: see perform
Usage:
Effect and affect are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation. The verb 2 affect usually has to do with pretense
she affected a cheery disposition despite feeling down
The more common 3 affect 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