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Synonyms & antonyms

effect Synonyms & Antonyms

/ɪˈfɛkt/

Choose a meaning, then find a word that fits your sentence.

Effect as a Noun

1

The result or outcome of a cause.

The effect of the hurricane was a devastated landscape.

2

Impression left on the mind; sensation produced.

3

Execution; performance; realization; operation. The state of being binding and enforceable, as in a rule, policy, or law.

The new law will come into effect on the first day of next year.

4

The state of being binding and enforceable, as in a rule, policy, or law.

The new law will come into effect on the first day of next year.

5

An illusion produced by technical means (as in "special effect")

The effect of flying was most convincing.

6

An alteration, or device for producing an alteration, in sound after it has been produced by an instrument.

I use an echo effect here to make the sound more mysterious.

7

A scientific phenomenon, usually named after its discoverer.

Doppler effect

8

An influence or causal association between two variables.

effect size

9

Belongings, usually as personal effects.

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.

10

Consequence intended; purpose; meaning; general intent; with to.

11

Reality; actual meaning; fact, as distinguished from mere appearance.

12

Manifestation; expression; sign.

13

Execution; performance; realization; operation.

14

(sound engineering) An alteration, or device for producing an alteration, in sound after it has been produced by an instrument.

I just bought a couple of great effects.

15

(etc.) A scientific phenomenon, usually named after its discoverer.

Doppler effect

16

(usually in the plural) Belongings, usually as personal effects.

Effect as a Verb

1

To make or bring about; to implement.

The best way to effect change is to work with existing stakeholders.

2

Misspelling of affect.

Effect in a Sentence

The effect of the hurricane was a devastated landscape.

The new law will come into effect on the first day of next year.

The effect of flying was most convincing.

I use an echo effect here to make the sound more mysterious.

I just bought a couple of great effects.

Doppler effect

effect size

therapeutic effect

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.

The best way to effect change is to work with existing stakeholders.

The election has affected our society, for it has effected major changes in the government.

Word Forms & Grammar

effect (countable and uncountable, plural effects)

effect (third-person singular simple present effects, present participle effecting, simple past and past participle effected)

Words That Rhyme With Effect

Origin of Effect

Origin 1: 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.

Origin 2: 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.

Effect at a Glance

Part of speechnoun, verb
Pronunciation/ɪˈfɛkt/
MeaningThe result or outcome of a cause
Pluraleffects
Verb formseffects, effecting, effected

Frequently Asked Questions About Effect

Is effect a noun or a verb?

Effect is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as a verb.

What is the plural of effect?

The plural of effect is effects.

What is the past tense of effect?

The past tense of effect is effected. The present participle is effecting.