Definition

1. Noun:

   • A change that is the result or consequence of an action or other cause: "Effect" refers to something that happens because of something else.
   • The state of being operative or functional; validity: "Effect" can mean the condition of being in force or operation, as in a law or rule.
   • An impression created in the mind of a person, especially one deliberately produced: "Effect" can describe a particular feeling or mood that is created.
   • The lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play, film, or broadcast: "Effect" refers to a device or technique used to create an illusion or sensory experience in media.

2. Verb:

   • To cause (something) to happen; to bring about: "Effect" means to make something occur or to accomplish something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The drug had a calming effect on the patient. (The medication produced a state of calm as a result.)
  • The new regulations will come into effect next month. (The new rules will become valid and operative next month.)
  • He used dramatic lighting for effect in the photograph. (He used lighting to create a specific, deliberate impression.)
  • The movie's special effects were incredible. (The illusions created for the film were amazing.)

• Verb:

  • The new manager hopes to effect positive changes in the company. (The new manager aims to bring about positive changes.)

Advanced Usage

• "In effect": for practical purposes; in operation.

  • The old policy is still in effect until the end of the year. (The old policy is still operative.)

• "Take effect": to begin to produce results or to become operative.

  • The medication will take effect in about thirty minutes. (The medicine will start working in about half an hour.)

• "To that effect" / "To the effect that": having that general meaning or result.

  • He said something to the effect that he would be late. (He said something meaning that he would be late.)

• "For effect": with the intention of creating a particular impression.

  • She paused for effect before announcing the winner. (She paused deliberately to create suspense.)

Variants and Related Words

• Effective (adj): successful in producing a desired or intended result.
  • The treatment was very effective.
• Effectively (adv): in such a manner as to achieve a desired result.
  • She managed the project effectively.
• Effectiveness (n): the degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result.
  • We are measuring the effectiveness of the campaign.

Synonyms

• Noun: Result, consequence, outcome, impact, impression, validity.
• Verb: Accomplish, achieve, execute, implement, bring about.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

(Note: "Effect" is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs. The related expressions are idiomatic phrases.)

Related Idioms

• "Cause and effect": the principle of causation, where one event (the cause) makes another event (the effect) happen.
  • The chapter explains the cause and effect of the economic crisis.
• "Put into effect" / "Bring into effect": to make something start to apply or happen.
  • The committee voted to put the new plan into effect immediately.
• "To no effect": without achieving the desired result.
  • All our protests were to no effect; the decision was final.

Noun

1. a symptom caused by an illness or a drug
   • the effects of sleep loss
   • the effect of the anesthetic
2. (of a law) having legal validity
   • the law is still in effect
3. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
4. an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived)
   • he just did it for effect
5. an outward appearance
   • he made a good impression
   • I wanted to create an impression of success
   • she retained that bold effect in her reproductions of the original painting
6. a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
   • the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
   • his decision had depressing consequences for business
   • he acted very wise after the event

Verb

1. act so as to bring into existence
   • effect a change
2. produce
   • The scientists set up a shock wave