Definition of EFFECT

effect

Plural: effects

Noun

  • a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
    • "the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise"
  • an outward appearance
    • "she retained that bold effect in her reproductions of the original painting"
  • an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived)
    • "he just did it for effect"
  • the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
  • (of a law) having legal validity
    • "the law is still in effect"
  • a symptom caused by an illness or a drug
    • "the effects of sleep loss"
    • "the effect of the anesthetic"
  • The result or outcome of a cause.
  • Impression left on the mind; sensation produced.
  • Execution; performance; realization; operation.
  • Execution; performance; realization; operation.
  • The state of being binding and enforceable, as in a rule, policy, or law.
  • An illusion produced by technical means (as in "special effect")
  • An alteration, or device for producing an alteration, in sound after it has been produced by an instrument.
  • A scientific phenomenon, usually named after its discoverer.
  • An influence or causal association between two variables.
  • Belongings, usually as personal effects.
  • Consequence intended; purpose; meaning; general intent; with to.
  • Reality; actual meaning; fact, as distinguished from mere appearance.
  • Manifestation; expression; sign.

Verb

Verb Forms: effected, effecting, effects

  • To bring about, accomplish, or cause something to happen.
  • produce
  • act so as to bring into existence
    • "effect a change"
  • To make or bring about; to implement.
  • Misspelling of affect.

Examples

  • Doppler effect
  • effect size
  • His risky play of ’QUARTZ’ was meant to EFFECT a huge score.
  • I just bought a couple of great effects.
  • I use an echo effect here to make the sound more mysterious.
  • The best way to effect change is to work with existing stakeholders.
  • The effect of flying was most convincing.
  • The effect of the hurricane was a devastated landscape.
  • The new law will come into effect on the first day of next year.
  • The tenant shall pay for the repair of, or replace all such items of the fixtures, fittings, furniture and effects as shall be broken, lost, damaged or destroyed during that time.
  • therapeutic effect

Origin / Etymology

Of the noun: from Middle English effect, from Old French effect (modern French effet), from Latin effectus (“an effect, tendency, purpose”), from efficiō (“accomplish, complete, effect”); see effect as a verb. Displaced Old English fremming, fremednes from fremman.
Of the verb: from Middle English effecten, partly from Medieval Latin effectuō, from Latin effectus, perfect passive participle of efficiō (“accomplish, complete, do, effect”), from ex (“out”) + faciō (“do, make”) (see fact and compare affect, infect) and partly from the noun effect.

Scrabble Score: 14

effect: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
effect: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
effect: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 15

effect: valid Words With Friends Word