effect

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A change or result produced by an action or cause.

   The medicine had an immediate effect on her headache.

2. 2
   noun

   An impression created on purpose, often for art or show.

   The lighting was dimmed for dramatic effect.

3. 3
   noun

   The state of a law or rule being officially active.

   The new speed limit is now in effect.

4. 4
   verb

   To make something happen or bring it about.

   The new manager hopes to effect real change in the company.

Appears in

Simplified etymology

Effect entered English in the late Middle English period from Latin effectus, “result” or “consequence,” derived from efficere, “accomplish” or “work out.” Efficere combines ex-, “out” or “thoroughly,” with facere, “do.”

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.

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary