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Definition of effect
2 : something that inevitably follows an antecedent (such as a cause or agent)
3 : an outward sign : appearance
5 : power to bring about a result : influence the content itself of television … is therefore less important than its effect — Current Biography
6 effects plural : movable property : goods personal effects
7a : a distinctive impression the color gives the effect of being warmb : the creation of a desired impression her tears were purely for effectc (1) : something designed to produce a distinctive or desired impression —usually used in plural (2) effects plural : special effects
8 : the quality or state of being operative : operation the law goes into effect next week
in effect
to the effect
From the M-W Editors
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
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The reduced admission is in effect until the end of the season, which ends July 29.
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Already seeing impact Romero said the effects of SB 4 are already being felt, pointing to the recent death of Fort Worth taco vendor Jose Ontiveros, who was killed while trying to stop a robbery outside a nightclub on Mansfield Highway on July 1.
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While the impact to state Medicaid programs under this proposal would be less substantial than the BCRA’s radical funding changes and major cuts over two decades, the loss of the Medicaid expansion would also have major effects.
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The block grants that were in place before the new formula took effect essentially froze school funding during recent years.
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The effect of this betrayal will be felt long after Corbyn’s career is over.
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Luznik and colleagues have sought the right balance by giving high doses of cyclophosphamide, a chemotherapy drug with immunosuppressive effects, shortly after transplantation.
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Before the ordinance goes into effect, Lichterman said the village will purchase a light meter to measure footcandles.
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So choosing the right path, including detours into promising valleys, requires a mental map showing all the effects of all the mutations at once—a map with not just three dimensions, but thousands.
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
Definition of effect
transitive verb
1 : to cause to come into being
2a : to bring about often by surmounting obstacles : accomplish effect a settlement of a disputeb : to put into operation the duty of the legislature to effect the will of the citizens
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
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
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
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.
Recent Examples of effect from the Web
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His modesty underscores how important the alliance between gay and straight students is in effecting change.
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When Scobee birdied the par-3 final hole and Rhoden missed a 15-foot putt that would’ve effected a playoff, Scobee had also clinched his own Joe Namath moment.
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In your opinion, what role can music play in creating change and what responsibility do music and musicians have to use their art to effect change?
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Meanwhile, terrorism is an ineradicable risk that may increase as technology permits smaller numbers of people to effect greater harms.
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
see 1effect
Synonym Discussion of effect
EFFECT Defined for English Language Learners
effect
playDefinition of effect for English Language Learners
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: a change that results when something is done or happens : an event, condition, or state of affairs that is produced by a cause
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: a particular feeling or mood created by something
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: an image or a sound that is created in television, radio, or movies to imitate something real
effect
playDefinition of effect for English Language Learners
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: to cause (something) : to make (something) happen
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: to cause (something) to produce the desired result
EFFECT Defined for Kids
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.
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.
Definition of effect for Students
effected
;effecting
: to make happen : bring about effect a change
Medical Dictionary
effect
playMedical Definition of effect
: something that is produced by an agent or cause obtained the same effect with a smaller dose
Law Dictionary
effect
Legal Definition of effect
1 : something that is produced by an agent or cause
2 pl : 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 when the new law goes into effect
effect
Legal Definition of effect
1 : to cause to come into being
2 : to bring about often by surmounting obstacles effect a settlement of the dispute
3 : to put into operation the duty of the legislature to effect the will of the citizens
Learn More about effect
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See words that rhyme with effect Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for effect Spanish Central: Translation of effect Nglish: Translation of effect for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of effect for Arabic speakers
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