Definition of effect noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

effect

noun

ɪˈfekt

ɪˈfekt

1 [countable, uncountable] effect (on somebody/something) a change that somebody/something causes in somebody/something else; a resultthe effect of heat on metaldramatic/long-term effectsto learn to distinguish between cause and effectthe beneficial effects of exerciseModern farming methods can have an adverse effect on the environment.Her criticisms had the effect of discouraging him completely.Despite her ordeal, she seems to have suffered no ill effects.I can certainly feel the effects of too many late nights.‘I'm feeling really depressed.’ ‘The winter here has that effect sometimes.’I tried to persuade him, but with little or no effect. see also greenhouse effect, knock-on, side effect

2 [countable, uncountable] a particular look, sound or impression that somebody, such as an artist or a writer, wants to createThe overall effect of the painting is overwhelming.The stage lighting gives the effect of a moonlit scene.Add a scarf for a casual effect.He only behaves like that for effect (= in order to impress people). see also special effects, sound effect3 effects [plural] (formal) your personal possessions

Synonym

belongingsThe insurance policy covers all baggage and personal effects.

Idioms

bring/put something into effect

to cause something to come into use

The recommendations will soon be put into effect.

come into effect

to come into use; to begin to apply

New controls come into effect next month.

in effect

1 used when you are stating what the facts of a situation areIn effect, the two systems are identical.His wife had, in effect, run the government for the past six months.By asking for these particular qualifications, you are, in effect, excluding most women from applying.2 (of a law or rule) in useThese laws are in effect in twenty states.

take effect

1 to start to produce the results that are intendedThe aspirins soon take effect.2 to come into use; to begin to applyThe new law takes effect from tomorrow.

to the effect that…

to this/that effect

used to show that you are giving the general meaning of what somebody has said or written rather than the exact words

He left a note to the effect that he would not be coming back.She told me to get out—or words to that effect.

to good, great, dramatic, etc. effect

producing a good, successful, dramatic, etc. result or impression

to no effect

not producing the result you intend or hope for

We warned them, but to no effect.

with immediate effect

with effect from…

(formal) starting now; starting from…The government has cut interest rates with effect from the beginning of next month.

Usage note: consequentlyDescribing the effect of somethingOne consequence of changes in diet over recent years has been a dramatic increase in cases of childhood obesity.Many parents today do not have time to cook healthy meals for their children. Consequently/As a consequence, many children grow up eating too much junk food.Many children spend their free time watching TV instead of playing outside. As a result, more and more of them are becoming overweight.Last year junk food was banned in schools. The effect of this has been to create a black market in the playground, with pupils bringing sweets from home to sell to other pupils. note at effect Language Banks at because of, cause, therefore

Usage note: affect / effectaffect verb = ‘to have an influence on somebody/something’: Does television affect children’s behaviour? It is not a noun.effect noun = ‘result, influence’: Does television have an effect on children’s behaviour?effect verb is quite rare and formal and means ‘to achieve or produce’. They hope to effect a reconciliation.