Effect: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Effect noun. A change or result that something produces.
How to say it
ih-FEKT/ɪˈfɛkt/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (FEKT). Forms: effected, effects.
Meanings
- A change or result that something produces.
- As a verb, to bring something about, as in to effect a change.
Effect in a sentence
The new lighting had a calming effect on the whole room.
The new head teacher effected sweeping changes in her first term.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- result
- consequence
- impact
- outcome
Opposite:
- cause
Usage note
Effect is usually the noun. As a verb it means to make happen: to effect change is to cause it, while to affect change is to alter one already under way.
Don’t confuse with affect
affect (verb): To influence something or make a difference to it.
Where effect comes from
From Latin effectus, from efficere, to accomplish.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The new head teacher _____ sweeping changes in her first term.
- effect
- stationery
- ordinance
Show the answer
effect: The new head teacher effected sweeping changes in her first term.