effects

1. 1
   noun

   Plural of effect.

   The medication's side effects faded after about a week.

   Sound engineers layered several digital effects over the raw recording.

   Note

   Only some meanings of effect can be counted, and those are the ones that take this plural: results, impressions, illusions made by technical means, and devices that alter an instrument's sound. That gives side effects, special effects and sound effects. Being binding and in force cannot be counted, so a law comes into effect and never into effects.

2. 2
   verb

   Third-person singular simple present of effect.

   The treaty effects an immediate ceasefire along the disputed border.

   Each amendment effects a small but meaningful shift in the contract's terms.

   Note

   A verb that always takes an object and always means producing something. A treaty effects a ceasefire, and a reform effects change. Writing effects where influence is meant is a misspelling of affects. A quick check: something that effects change creates it, while something that affects change only acts on a change already under way. The same spelling also serves as the noun plural.

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