affect1
/
əˈfɛkt/
v.
have an effect on; make a difference to.
▸touch the feelings of.
Derivative
- affecting adj.
- affectingly adv.
Usage
Affect and effect are commonly confused. Affect is primarily a verb meaning ‘make a difference to’. Effect is used both as a noun and a verb, meaning ‘a result’ or ‘bring about a result’.
Etymology
ME (in the sense ‘attack as a disease’): from Fr. affecter or L. affect-, afficere (see affect2).
affect2
/
əˈfɛkt/
v.
pretend to have or feel.
▸use, wear, or assume pretentiously or so as to impress.
Etymology
ME (in the sense ‘like, love’): from Fr. affecter or L. affectare ‘aim at’, frequentative of afficere ‘affect, influence’.
affect3
/
ˈafɛkt/
n.
Psychology emotion or desire as influencing behaviour.
Derivative
- affectless adj.
- affectlessness n.
Etymology
C19: from Ger. Affekt from L. affectus ‘disposition’, from afficere (see affect2).