Dictionary monolingual
English

Effect

əˈfɛkt
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Effect -

A change that is a result or consequence of an action or cause

Example: The new policy had a positive effect on employee morale.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Commonly used in discussions about cause and result

The power to produce results; influence

Example: The teacher's words had a profound effect on the students.
Usage: formalContext: discussions about influence or impact
Note: Can refer to the ability to produce change or influence

A result or outcome

Example: The new law had unintended effects on the economy.
Usage: formalContext: discussions about consequences
Note: Often used to describe the result of a particular action or event

To bring about or accomplish

Example: The new manager hoped to effect positive changes in the company.
Usage: formalContext: discussions about implementing change
Note: Less common usage, more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation

Effect's synonyms

impact

Impact refers to a strong effect or influence that something has on someone or something.
Example: The new policy had a significant impact on the company's profits.
Note: Impact often implies a more forceful or noticeable effect than the word 'effect'.

result

Result indicates the outcome or consequence of a particular action or event.
Example: The heavy rain resulted in flooding in several areas.
Note: Result is more specific in focusing on the outcome rather than the general influence like 'effect'.

outcome

Outcome refers to the final result or consequence of a series of actions or events.
Example: The outcome of the negotiations was a mutually beneficial agreement.
Note: Outcome is similar to 'result' but often emphasizes the final consequence or end point.

consequence

Consequence denotes a result or effect that follows as a natural or logical outcome of an action.
Example: The decision to cut costs had serious consequences for the employees.
Note: Consequence often implies a cause-and-effect relationship more explicitly than 'effect'.

influence

Influence refers to the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Example: Her speech had a powerful influence on public opinion.
Note: Influence focuses more on the ability to produce an effect rather than the effect itself.

Effect expressions, common phrases

Take effect

To start to produce the intended result or influence.
Example: The new law will take effect next month.
Note: The phrase emphasizes the beginning of an action or process resulting from a cause.

In effect

Essentially or practically, though not officially.
Example: The policy, in effect, means higher taxes for everyone.
Note: This phrase indicates the practical implementation or consequence of something, rather than the direct cause.

Cause and effect

The relationship between actions or events where one is the result of the other.
Example: Understanding the cause and effect of climate change is crucial.
Note: It refers to the concept of one event (cause) leading to another (effect) in a logical sequence.

Special effects

Visual or sound effects added to create a particular illusion or scene.
Example: The movie's special effects were stunning.
Note: Refers to the techniques used in filmmaking to enhance scenes, rather than the general impact or result.

The butterfly effect

The concept that small causes can have large effects in complex systems.
Example: The idea of the butterfly effect suggests that small actions can have far-reaching consequences.
Note: It highlights the disproportionate impact of small initial changes on a larger system.

Side effect

An unintended consequence of a treatment or action, often negative.
Example: The medication has some unpleasant side effects.
Note: Focuses on the additional outcomes, especially negative ones, that occur alongside the main intended result.

Echo effect

Repetition or reflection of sound, creating a delayed auditory effect.
Example: The echo effect in the concert hall made the music sound ethereal.
Note: It describes the sound phenomenon of echoes, distinct from the general impact or influence of something.

Effect everyday (slang) expressions

Have an effect on

This phrase is a more casual way of saying that something influences or impacts someone or something else.
Example: His words really have an effect on her emotions.
Note: This slang term is more conversational and informal compared to the formal term 'affect.'

Get the desired effect

To achieve the intended or expected outcome or result.
Example: Make sure to follow the instructions exactly to get the desired effect.
Note: This slang phrase focuses on achieving a specific outcome, while the word 'effect' alone refers to a result or consequence.

Have a ripple effect

Refers to a situation where a primary event causes a series of secondary events or effects.
Example: The economic policy changes can have a ripple effect on various industries.
Note: The term 'ripple effect' emphasizes the continuous and spreading nature of consequences, while 'effect' alone denotes a singular result.

Kick in

To start to have an effect or become effective, especially in relation to drugs or medication.
Example: The medicine will take about 30 minutes to kick in.
Note: This slang term implies a sudden or noticeable impact, unlike the broader concept conveyed by 'effect' alone.

Carry weight

To have influence or significance, often in a particular context or situation.
Example: Her opinion really carries weight in this discussion.
Note: While 'effect' can refer to any kind of impact, 'carry weight' typically emphasizes authority or persuasive power.

Pack a punch

To have a strong or significant effect; deliver a powerful impact.
Example: This new software update really packs a punch in terms of performance.
Note: This slang term emphasizes the intensity or strength of the effect, contrasting with the more neutral connotation of 'effect.'

Hit home

To affect someone deeply on an emotional level; to resonate with someone.
Example: His words really hit home and made me reconsider my actions.
Note: This phrase highlights the personal and emotional impact on an individual, unlike the broader concept encompassed by 'effect.'

Effect - Examples

The medicine had a positive effect on her health.
The decision will have serious consequences for the company.
His speech had a great impact on the audience.

Effect grammar

Effect - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: effect
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): effects, effect
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): effect
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): effected
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): effecting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): effects
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): effect
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): effect
Syllables, Separation and Stress
effect Contains 2 syllables: ef • fect
Phonetic transcription: i-ˈfekt
ef fect , i ˈfekt (The red syllable is stressed)

Effect - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
effect: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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