Main Entry:

¹ef·fect

Pronunciation:

\i-ˈfekt, e-, ē-, ə-\

Function:

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 : essence2: something that inevitably follows an antecedent (as a cause or agent)3: an outward sign : appearance4: accomplishment, fulfillment5: power to bring about a result : influence <the content itself of television…is therefore less important than its effect — Current Biography>6plural : movable property : goods <personal effects>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 effects8: the quality or state of being operative : operation <the law goes into effect next week>

— 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>