in effect
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For all practical purposes, as in This testimony in effect contradicted her earlier statement. [Late 1500s]
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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Words nearby in effect
inedited, ineducable, ineducation, ineffable, ineffaceable, in effect, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficacy, inefficiency
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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