effect

A change or result caused by something.

• The medicine had no effect.
• What effect will this have on prices?
• We are studying the effects of noise on sleep.

How to use it: effect on someone/something (The weather has an effect on my mood.)

Similar words: result, impact

Opposites: cause

Common phrases: have an effect, effect on something, side effect

In “take effect,” the point when a rule, agreement, or change starts to apply.

• The new rules take effect tomorrow.
• Our agreement took effect last month.
• When will the changes take effect?

How to use it: take effect on a date (The price increase takes effect on Monday.)

Common phrases: take effect, effect from today

An added or changed sound used in music, films, or performances.

• They added a sound effect for the door.
• This guitar effect makes each note echo.
• The film uses realistic sound effects during the storm.

Common phrases: sound effect, audio effect, echo effect

An artificial image or visual change that makes something appear to happen in a film or performance.

• The explosion was a special effect.
• They used visual effects to make the dragon fly.
• That lighting effect makes the stage look like a forest.

Common phrases: special effect, visual effect, lighting effect

The state of a rule or agreement being officially active and required to be followed.

• The rule is still in effect.
• The agreement came into effect in June.
• These restrictions remain in effect until Friday.

How to use it: be in effect (The parking ban is still in effect.); come into effect (The new law comes into effect next week.)

Similar words: force

Common phrases: in effect, come into effect, remain in effect

A particular change or process in nature, often known by the name of the person who discovered it.

• The greenhouse effect keeps the planet warm.
• We measured the Doppler effect in the laboratory.
• The photoelectric effect helped scientists understand light.

Similar words: phenomenon

Common phrases: Doppler effect, greenhouse effect, photoelectric effect

To make a change or result happen.

• The new manager effected several changes.
• They hope to effect a peaceful transfer of power.
• Can these measures effect a lasting improvement?

Similar words: bring about, achieve, implement

Common phrases: effect a change, effect reform, effect a transfer