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definitions

effect

[ ih-fekt ]
/ ɪˈfɛkt /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR effect ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

verb (used with object)

to produce as an effect; bring about; accomplish; make happen: The new machines finally effected the transition to computerized accounting last spring.

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RELATED WORDS

basically, effectively, essentially, really, virtually

Nearby words

  1. efavirenz,
  2. eff,
  3. eff.,
  4. effable,
  5. efface,
  6. effecter,
  7. effective,
  8. effective conjugate,
  9. effective current,
  10. effective dose

Idioms

    in effect,
    1. for practical purposes; virtually: His silence was in effect a confirmation of the rumor.
    2. essentially; basically.
    3. operating or functioning; in force: The plan is now in effect.
    take effect,
    1. to go into operation; begin to function.
    2. to produce a result: The prescribed medicine failed to take effect.

Origin of effect

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin effectus the carrying out (of a task, etc.), hence, that which is achieved, outcome, equivalent to effec- (variant stem of efficere to make, carry out; ef- ef- + -ficere, combining form of facere to do1) + -tus suffix of v. action
SYNONYMS FOR effect
1 outcome, issue. Effect, consequence ( s ), result refer to something produced by an action or a cause. An effect is that which is produced, usually more or less immediately and directly: The effect of morphine is to produce sleep. A consequence, something that follows naturally or logically, as in a train of events or sequence of time, is less intimately connected with its cause than is an effect: Punishment is the consequence of disobedience. A result may be near or remote, and often is the sum of effects or consequences as making an end or final outcome: The English language is the result of the fusion of many different elements.
10 achieve, realize, fulfill, perform, consummate.
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Related forms
Can be confusedaffect effect (see usage note at affect1)

Usage note

See affect1.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for in effect

effect

/ (ɪˈfɛkt) /

noun

verb

(tr) to cause to occur; bring about; accomplish
See also effects
Derived Formseffecter, nouneffectible, adjective

Word Origin for effect

C14: from Latin effectus a performing, tendency, from efficere to accomplish, from facere to do
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for in effect

effect

n.

late 14c., "a result," from Old French efet (13c., Modern French effet) "result, execution, completion, ending," from Latin effectus "accomplishment, performance," from past participle stem of efficere "work out, accomplish," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + facere "to do" (see factitious).

Meaning "impression produced on the beholder" is from 1736. Sense in stage effect, sound effect, etc. first recorded 1881. The verb is from 1580s. Related: Effecting; effection.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for in effect

effect

[ ĭ-fĕkt′ ]

n.

v.

Related formsef•fect′i•ble adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Idioms and Phrases with in effect (1 of 2)

in effect

1

For all practical purposes, as in This testimony in effect contradicted her earlier statement. [Late 1500s]

2

In or into operation, as in This law will be in effect in January. Related phrases include go into effect and take effect, which mean “become operative,” as in This law goes into effect January 1, or It takes effect January 1. Similarly, put into effect means “make operative,” as in When will the judge's ruling be put into effect? [Late 1700s] Also see in force, def. 2.

Idioms and Phrases with in effect (2 of 2)

effect

see in effect; into effect; take effect; to that effect.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.