effect
ih-FEHKT
Effect (noun) means a change that is the result or consequence of something else. Example: “The new policy had an immediate effect on sales.”
noun
1
A change that is the result or consequence of something else.
"The new policy had an immediate effect on sales."
"One effect of the new law was a drop in traffic accidents."
"Lack of sleep can have a serious effect on your concentration."
verb
1
To bring about; to cause to happen.
"The new manager effected several changes to the schedule."
"The reforms effected a real change in how the department operates."
"The council hopes to effect a smooth change to the new system."
How to use effect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA result caused by something else.
Common mistake
Effect is usually the NOUN (the result); affect is usually the VERB (to influence).
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- effects
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new policy had an immediate _____ on sales.
Etymology
From Latin effectus, "accomplished, brought about."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “effect” mean?
The word “effect” means a change that is the result or consequence of something else. In plain terms, a result caused by something else.
How do you pronounce “effect”?
“Effect” is pronounced ih-FEHKT (/ɪˈfɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “effect” in a sentence?
Here is “effect” used in a sentence: “The new policy had an immediate effect on sales.”
What part of speech is “effect”?
Depending on how it is used, “effect” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “effect” come from?
The word “effect” comes from Latin. From Latin effectus, "accomplished, brought about.".
Is “effect” a common word?
“Effect” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “effect” have?
“Effect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a change that is the result or consequence of something else.
What is the difference between effect and affect?
Effect is usually a noun meaning the result of something, as in the effect of the medicine. Affect is usually a verb meaning to influence something, as in the medicine affects you. A simple trick: affect is the Action, effect is the End result. Both can occasionally flip roles, but this covers most uses.
What is an example of 'effect' in a sentence?
The new law had an immediate effect on traffic. Here, effect names the change that resulted from the law. Other examples: the medicine took effect quickly, or her words had a powerful effect on the crowd. In each case, effect is the outcome produced by something else.
What is the difference between effect and result?
The two are close synonyms. A result is the outcome of an action or process, often the final one. An effect emphasises the change something causes, and can be one of many. The effect of exercise highlights influence, while the result of the match points to a final outcome.
What does 'side effect' mean?
A side effect is a secondary, often unwanted effect that comes alongside the intended one, commonly used for medicines, such as drowsiness from an allergy pill. It shows how effect describes any change produced by a cause, including the ones that were not the main goal.
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