effect

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin effectus, from efficere to bring about, from ex- + facere to make, do — more at do Date: 14th century 1. a. purport, intent b. basic meaning ; essence 2. something that inevitably follows an antecedent (as a cause or agent) 3. an outward sign ; appearance 4. accomplishment, fulfillment 5. power to bring about a result ; influence <

the content itself of television…is therefore less important than its effect — Current Biography

> 6. plural movable property ; goods <

personal effects

> 7. a. a distinctive impression <

the color gives the effect of being warm

> b. the creation of a desired impression <

her tears were purely for effect

> c. (1) something designed to produce a distinctive or desired impression — usually used in plural (2) plural special effects 8. the quality or state of being operative ; operation <

the law goes into effect next week

> II. transitive verb Date: 1533 1. to cause to come into being 2. a. to bring about often by surmounting obstacles ; accomplish <

effect a settlement of a dispute

> b. to put into operation <

the duty of the legislature to effect the will of the citizens

> Synonyms: see perform Usage: Effect and affect are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation. The verb 2affect usually has to do with pretense <

she affected a cheery disposition despite feeling down

>. The more common 3affect denotes having an effect or influence <

the weather affected everyone's mood

>. The verb effect goes beyond mere influence; it refers to actual achievement of a final result <

the new administration hopes to effect a peace settlement

>. The uncommon noun affect, which has a meaning relating to psychology, is also sometimes mistakenly used for the very common effect. In ordinary use, the noun you will want is effect <

waiting for the new law to take effect

> <

the weather had an effect on everyone's mood

>.