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effect
/ɪˈfɛkt/
result or consequence
The new policy had a positive effect on employee morale.
The policy improved employee morale.
general
The result or consequence of an action or event
The medicine had a rapid effect on his pain.
The medicine quickly reduced his pain.
Can be used in both physical and abstract contexts.
general
To bring about a change or result
The new law will effect significant changes in the industry.
The new law will bring about significant changes.
When used as a verb, it means to cause or produce something.
Collocations
have an effectto produce a resultcause and effectthe relationship between events and their consequencesside effectan unintended consequence
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Noun vs. Verb
Remember that 'effect' as a noun means 'result', while 'affect' as a verb means 'to influence'. The verb 'effect' means 'to bring about'.
Gold Rule
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 'effect' (noun) with 'affect' (verb). 'Effect' is the result, while 'affect' is the action of influencing.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'effecte', from Old French 'efet', from Latin 'effectus' (past participle of 'efficiere' meaning 'to accomplish').
Usage Notes
As a noun, 'effect' refers to the result of an action. As a verb, it means to bring about a change. Avoid confusing it with 'affect', which is usually a verb meaning 'to influence'.
Word Breakdown
ef-
out
prefix-fect
to do or make
rootEnglish Dictionary