in effect

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in effect

So in effect, once the body has been heavier, the brain comes to treat that higher weight as the new normal – a level it feels compelled to defend.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

If the timers once again rush for the exits in the wake of that weakness, they will in effect have given the bull market another lease on life.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 3, 2026

Amber and yellow heat health alerts, external are in effect across much of England until 09:00 BST Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach more than 30C in some areas.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

The policy will remain in effect until at least Jan. 29, 2027.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

Regiomontanus grasped that an astronomer does not have to travel in order to get two observation points that are, in effect, far apart.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton