effect

The word “effect” means a change that is the result or consequence of something else. In plain terms, a result caused by something else.

“Effect” is pronounced ih-FEHKT (/ɪˈfɛkt/ in IPA).

Here is “effect” used in a sentence: “The new policy had an immediate effect on sales.”

Depending on how it is used, “effect” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “effect” comes from Latin. From Latin effectus, "accomplished, brought about.".

“Effect” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Effect” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a change that is the result or consequence of something else.

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.

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.

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.

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.