n.
- a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
▸an impression produced in a person's mind:
his words had a soothing effect.
- the state of being or becoming operative:
the law came into effect.
▸the extent to which something succeeds or is operative.
-
(effects)
the lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play or film.
-
(effects)
personal belongings.
- Physics a physical phenomenon, typically named after its discoverer:
the Coriolis effect.
v.
cause to happen; bring about.
Phrase
- for effect
in order to impress people. - in effect
in practice, even if not formally acknowledged. - to the effect that
the general sense or meaning of something written or spoken being. - to that effect
having the result or meaning specified.
Usage
On the confusion of effect with affect, see affect1.
Etymology
ME: from OFr., or from L. effectus, from effect-, efficere ‘accomplish’.