effect
/ɪˈfɛkt/ noun A2- The result or outcome of a cause. · The effect of the hurricane was a devastated landscape.
- Impression left on the mind; sensation produced.
- 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.
- An illusion produced by technical means (as in "special effect") · The effect of flying was most convincing.
- 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.· I just bought a couple of great effects.
- A scientific phenomenon, usually named after its discoverer. · Doppler effect
- An influence or causal association between two variables. · effect size· therapeutic effect
Plural effects
From the library
This we accomplished by the very obvious device of announcing that the moat would be dried to-morrow, which had, of course, the effect that whoever had hidden the bundle would most certainly withdraw it the moment that darkness enabled him to do so.
Inspector MacDonald had sent up a note to the effect that he would wait upon Mrs.
“The truth is,” replied Dantès, “that I am too happy for noisy mirth; if that is what you meant by your observation, my worthy friend, you are right; joy takes a strange effect at times, it seems to oppress us almost the same as sorrow.”
Inside was a beautiful stretch of lawn with an old sundial in the middle, the whole effect so soothing and restful that it was welcome to my somewhat jangled nerves.
Other matches
Learn effect in real texts
With a free account, hover any word in the library for its meaning, hear it read aloud, save words for review timed to your memory, and see how much of each book you already know.