effect
• noun 1 a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. 2 the state of being or becoming operative. 3 the extent to which something succeeds or is operative: wind power can be used to great effect. 4 (effects) personal belongings. 5 (effects) the lighting, sound, or scenery used in a play or film. 6 Physics a physical phenomenon, typically named after its discoverer. • verb cause to happen; bring about. — PHRASES for effect in order to impress people. in effect in practice, even if not formally acknowledged. to that effect having that general result, purpose, or meaning. — USAGE On the confusion of effect and affect, see the note at AFFECT1. — ORIGIN Latin effectus, from efficere ‘accomplish’.
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