effect

noun ef·fect \ i-ˈfekt , e- , ē- , ə- \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Usage guide: effect vs. affect

Examples: effect in a Sentence

Definition of effect

1 : something that inevitably follows an antecedent (such as a cause or agent)

2 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) 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

8 a : 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

See effect defined for English-language learners

See effect defined for kids

Examples of effect in a Sentence

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 unpredictable and somewhat chilling … —Genevieve Stuttaford, Publisher's Weekly, 29 July 1996
Unlike the venom of coral snakes, fer-de-lance venom has no direct effect on the nervous system but digests muscle, destroys blood cells and causes hemorrhaging and massive edema (swelling). —Robert K. Colwell, Natural History, April 1985
He now needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect.
The experience has had a bad effect on him.
Computers have had a profound effect on our lives.
The effects of the drug soon wore off.
This treatment causes fewer ill effects.
The change in policy had little effect on most people.
He was able to stop taking the drug without ill effect.
The total effect of the painting was one of gloom.
The color gives the effect of being warm.
He achieves amazing effects with wood.

Recent Examples of effect from the Web

The funniest performances come from Awkwafina, who skateboards to great effect, and—in a bizarre twist—Anne Hathaway.

— josephine livingstone, The New Republic, "In Ocean’s 8, Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend," 12 June 2018
Metaphysics Discussion Group Learn about understanding the world through existence, space and time, cause and effect, possibility and self-discovery. 11 a.m. Northeast Focal Point Senior Center, 227 NW 2nd St., Deerfield Beach.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "Deerfield and Pompano Beach area events, June 13-23," 11 June 2018
His physical presence is slightly dazzling, unnerving, with a subversive, greased-by-eroticism effect.

— james parker, The Atlantic, "The Wisdom of Russell Brand," 10 June 2018
After the episode featuring his restaurant aired, said Mr. Coto, there was a dramatic effect on sales, with many first-timers showing up at his door.

— melanie grayce west and charles passy, WSJ, "From the Village to the Bronx, N.Y. Restaurants Touched by Bourdain Mourn His Death," 9 June 2018
The Emperor's Quest, also employs other effects, such as water, smoke and wind in the theater.

— hugo martin, latimes.com, "A giant pendulum, an immersive panda show and a gut-twisting coaster: Theme parks spend big to lure summer visitors," 8 June 2018
In effect, countries representing most of Latin America’s population declared that President Nicolás Maduro is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "The power of truth-telling about Venezuela," 8 June 2018
In effect, televised college sports are a product, and that product is in wide demand today.

— william h. noack and don kusler, star-telegram, "Pro-con: Was Condoleezza Rice right in recommending that college athletes not be paid?," 8 June 2018
This one mechanic has far-reaching, though sometimes clumsy, effects on the play experience.

— julie muncy, WIRED, "The Messiness of Vampyr Doesn't Weaken Its Bite," 7 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of effect

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 8a

See Words from the same year

effect Synonyms

Phrases

matter of course;

effect

verb

Definition of effect

effected; effecting; effects

transitive verb

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

See effect defined for English-language learners

effect vs. affect

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 verb 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

Examples of effect in a Sentence

As the whole progress of mathematics from its ancient simplicities to what we call its "higher" modern developments has been effected by assuming impossibilities and inconceivabilities, your line of argument does not seem to me conclusive. —Bernard Shaw circa 4 Nov. 1932, in Collected Letters: 1926–1950, 1988
When, at last, rescue is at hand, Jewitt has no hesitation in lying to his old friend and master, Maquinna, in order to effect his escape, although he does persuade the captain of the brig Lydia not to kill the chief. —Carolyn Kizer, New York Times Book Review, 21 Feb. 1988
I had just written the Gossets that your address was Drujon Lane, so I would be obliged if you would drop them a card and tell them your release has been effected. —Flannery O'Connor, The Habit of Being, 1979
Hitherto, while gathering up the discourse of Mr. Brocklehurst and Miss Temple, I had not, at the same time, neglected precautions to secure my personal safety; which I thought would be effected, if I could only elude observation. —Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, 1847
They are trying to effect a settlement of the dispute.
The duty of the legislature is to effect the will of the people.

Origin and Etymology of effect

see ¹effect

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1533

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

effect Synonyms

Synonyms

beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, draw on, effectuate, engender, generate, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, prompt, result (in), spawn, translate (into), work, yield;

Near Antonyms

impede, limit, restrict;

clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, dampen, put down, quash, quell, repress, smother, squash, squelch, stifle, subdue, suppress;

arrest, check, control, curb, inhibit, rein (in), restrain, retard;

abolish, demolish, destroy, extinguish, liquidate, quench;

Related Words

conduce (to), contribute (to);

decide, determine;

begin, establish, father, found, inaugurate, initiate, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, set, set up, start;

advance, cultivate, develop, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote;

enact, render, turn out;

Phrases

bring forth, give rise to;

Synonym Discussion of effect

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 Defined for English Language Learners

effect

noun

Definition of effect for English Language Learners

: a change that results when something is done or happens : an event, condition, or state of affairs that is produced by a cause
: a particular feeling or mood created by something
: an image or a sound that is created in television, radio, or movies to imitate something real

effect

verb

Definition of effect for English Language Learners

: to cause (something) : to make (something) happen
: to cause (something) to produce the desired result

EFFECT Defined for Kids

effect

noun ef·fect \ i-ˈfekt \

Definition of effect for Students

1 : an event, condition, or state of affairs that is produced by a cause : influence Computers have had an important effect on the way people work.

2 : the act of making a certain impression

The tears were only for effect.

3 : execution 2, operation

The law goes into effect today.

4 effects plural : personal property or possessions

household effects

5 : something created in film, television, or radio to imitate something real

sound effects

— in effect

: in actual fact

The suggestion was in effect an order.

effect

verb

Definition of effect for Students

effected; effecting

: to make happen : bring about

effect a change

Medical Dictionary

effect

noun ef·fect \ i-ˈfekt \

medical Definition of effect

: something that is produced by an agent or cause

obtained the same effect with a smaller dose

Law Dictionary

effect

noun ef·fect

legal Definition of effect

1 : something that is produced by an agent or cause

2 plural : personal property 1 at property : goods

the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures
—U.S. Constitution amend. IV

3 : the quality or state of being operative