effect
gb/ɪfˈɛkt/ us/ɪfˈɛkt/
B1
English
~ 300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
result or outcome of something
Something that happens because of something else.
Usage pattern:
the effect of [something] on [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'effect' (noun) with 'affect' (verb). 'Effect' is the result, while 'affect' means to influence.
Synonyms
result (Focuses on the end point without necessarily implying causation as strongly.)
|
outcome (Often used for planned events or processes; more formal in tone.)
Antonyms
cause (Refers to what makes something happen, the opposite direction of effect.)
Collocations
cause and effect
|have an effect
|side effect
|take effect
|in effect
Themes
cause and effect
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new law had a positive effect on public safety.
- Her speech had a big effect on the audience.
- Climate change is having a serious effect on agriculture.
- The medicine's side effects were mild.
- The policy changes will take effect next month.
Learner examples
- The rain had a bad effect on the picnic.
- The movie had a strong effect on me.
- The new rules have a good effect on students.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
2
visual or audio enhancement in media
An image or sound made using special methods in movies, TV, or music.
Synonyms
feature (General term for an element of a production; less specific to artificial enhancement.)
Collocations
special effects
|sound effects
|visual effects
Themes
entertainment
|technology
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- The movie's special effects were amazing.
- They added sound effects to make the scene more realistic.
- The visual effects won several awards.
Learner examples
- The film has great special effects.
- I like the sound effects in this game.
- The visual effects look real.
Noun
formal
B2
state
3
state of being in operation or valid
When a law or rule is working and people must follow it.
Usage pattern:
in effect
Synonyms
operation (Focuses on the functioning aspect rather than legal validity.)
Antonyms
expiration (Refers to the ending of validity or force.)
Collocations
come into effect
|be in effect
|take effect
Themes
law
|government
Examples
- The new regulations are now in effect.
- This policy will come into effect next year.
- The old rules are no longer in effect.
Learner examples
- The rule is now in effect.
- The new law will take effect tomorrow.
- The contract is in effect until 2025.
Noun
B1
entity
4
impact on thoughts or emotions
A change in how someone feels or thinks because of something.
Synonyms
impact (Can be stronger and more forceful in connotation.)
Collocations
emotional effect
|psychological effect
Themes
emotions
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her words had a calming effect on me.
- The music had a powerful emotional effect.
- Traveling alone had a big effect on his confidence.
Learner examples
- The song has a happy effect on me.
- His kind words have a good effect on her.
- The movie had a sad effect on the viewers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
effect
IPA
GB/ɪfˈɛkt/
US/ɪfˈɛkt/
Syllables & stress
ef - fect (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (fect)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: effect
- Plural: effect, effects
Word family
Forms
effects
noun
Core family
effective
adjective B1
effectively
adverb B1
Related words
effectiveness
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
Expressions
bring into effect
1/bɹˈɪŋ ˈɪntu ɪfˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
formal
cause something to begin operating officially
To make a plan, law, or rule start working officially.
Examples
- The government will bring the new policy into effect next year.
- These changes were brought into effect without warning.
in effect
1/ˈɪn ɪfˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
currently valid or operating
Working and having to be followed now (for laws, rules, etc.).
Examples
- That rule is still in effect today.
- In effect, nothing has changed.
put into effect
1/pˈʊt ˈɪntu ɪfˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
make something start operating officially
To start making a plan, rule, or law work and be used.
Examples
- The new safety measures will be put into effect immediately.
- The company put the changes into effect last week.
side effect
1/sˈaɪd ɪfˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
unwanted secondary result of something
An extra result of something, especially one that is not wanted.
Examples
- Drowsiness is a common side effect of this drug.
- One side effect of the new policy was higher costs.
take effect
1/tˈeɪk ɪfˈɛkt/
fixed phrase
begin to be in force or operative
To start working or being used (for laws, rules, medicine, etc.).
Examples
- The new tax rates will take effect next month.
- The medicine should take effect within an hour.