n.
Function: 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>.