Added 8 October 2026
effect
/ɪˈfɛkt/ noun
In Latin: effectus, fructus Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about effect at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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The result or outcome of a cause.
The effect of the hurricane was a devastated landscape.
- Impression left on the mind; sensation produced.
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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.
verb
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To make or bring about; to implement.
The best way to effect change is to work with existing stakeholders.
- Misspelling of affect.
Origin
Of the noun: from Middle English effect, from Old French effect (modern French effet), from Latin effectus (“an effect, tendency, purpose”), from efficiō (“accomplish, complete, effect”); see effect as a verb. Displaced Old English fremming, fremednes from fremman. Of the verb: from Middle English effecten, partly from Medieval Latin effectuō, from Latin effectus, perfect passive participle of efficiō (“accomplish, complete, do, effect”), from ex (“out”) + faciō (“do, make”) (see fact and compare affect, infect) and partly from the noun effect.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)