Effect meaning

What does “effect” mean? Definitions, examples, synonyms and opposites.

“effect” is a noun and verb with 8 meanings. Its most common meaning is: a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon.

effect

noun

  1. a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

    “the magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise”

    “his decision had depressing consequences for business”

  2. an outward appearance

    “he made a good impression”

    “I wanted to create an impression of success”

    Synonymsimpression
  3. an impression (especially one that is artificial or contrived)

    “he just did it for effect”

  4. the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work

  5. (of a law) having legal validity

    “the law is still in effect”

    Synonymsforce
  6. a symptom caused by an illness or a drug

    “the effects of sleep loss”

    “the effect of the anesthetic”

verb

  1. produce

    “The scientists set up a shock wave”

  2. act so as to bring into existence

    “effect a change”

Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University