# effect

Pronunciation: say "i-FEKT" /ɪˈfɛkt/

## Noun

1. A change or result that follows from a cause; the influence one thing has on another.
   - Simple: A change that happens because of something else, or how much one thing changes another.
   - _The policy had a noticeable effect on local employment._
   - _Researchers studied the long-term effects of the drug._
2. A sight or sound created by technical means, as in a film, game, or recording, or a device that produces it.
   - Simple: A picture or sound made with special tools or computers in films, music, or games.
   - _The film's water effect was achieved entirely with computer graphics._
   - _Practical effects often age better than digital ones._
3. The state of being in operation or legally in force, as in come into effect or put into effect.
   - Simple: The state of being in use or being the law, as when a rule starts to work.
   - _The ban remains in effect until further notice._
   - _The treaty takes effect once both nations ratify it._
4. The impression or sensation produced in the mind by something.
   - Simple: A feeling or impression that something leaves in your mind.
   - _The painting's effect on viewers was both haunting and serene._
   - _Skilled speakers use a well-timed pause for dramatic effect._
9. A person's belongings, especially personal items such as clothing, documents and small possessions.
   - Simple: The things a person owns, especially personal ones like clothes, papers and small possessions.
   - _The soldier's personal effects were shipped home to his parents._
   - _Police carefully catalogued the victim's effects as part of the investigation._
6. The general meaning, purpose, or intent of something said or written.
   - Simple: The general meaning or intent of what someone says.
   - _The memo warned of layoffs, or something to that effect._
   - _The contract included a clause to the effect that either party could cancel._
7. A scientific phenomenon, typically named after the person who discovered it.
   - Simple: A scientific event or result, often named after the person who discovered it.
   - _The photoelectric effect demonstrated that light can behave as particles._
   - _Engineers must account for the Coriolis effect in long-range ballistics._
8. What is actually the case in reality or in practice, as opposed to appearance or form, now chiefly in the phrase in effect.
   - Simple: What is really true in practice, not just how things look, as in the phrase in effect.

## Verb

5. To bring about or cause something to happen; to put it into action.
   - Simple: To make something happen or to carry out a plan.
   - _The committee effected sweeping reforms within a year._
   - _Management hopes to effect changes to the scheduling system._

## Noun

10. An outward manifestation, expression, or sign of something. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A sign or outward show of something inside.

## Origin

The noun goes back to Latin effectus, meaning "an effect, tendency, purpose," which came from efficiō ("accomplish, complete, effect"), and it reached English through Old French and Middle English, pushing out Old English fremming and fremednes. The verb has two sources: the noun itself, and Medieval Latin effectuō, which came from Latin effectus, the perfect passive participle of efficiō, built from ex ("out") and faciō ("do, make").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/effect (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).