Main Entry: ²effect

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 ²affect usually has to do with pretense <she affected a cheery disposition despite feeling down>. The more common ³affect 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>.