Affect: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Affect verb. To influence something or make a difference to it.
How to say it
uh-FEKT/əˈfɛkt/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (FEKT). Forms: affected, affects.
Meanings
- To influence something or make a difference to it.
- To put on a feeling or manner that isn't genuine.
Affect in a sentence
The strike will affect trains across the north all week.
He affected an air of boredom, but he'd been waiting by the phone all day.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- influence
- alter
- sway
- change
Usage note
Affect is usually the verb and effect the noun: the weather affects your mood, and it has an effect on it.
Don’t confuse with effect
effect (noun): A change or result that something produces.
Where affect comes from
From Latin afficere, to act on or influence.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
He _____ an air of boredom, but he'd been waiting by the phone all day.
- appraise
- affect
- imply
Show the answer
affect: He affected an air of boredom, but he'd been waiting by the phone all day.