effect

(iˈfekt) noun

1. a result or consequence. He is suffering from the effects of over-eating; His discovery had little effect at first.

2. an impression given or produced. The speech did not have much effect (on them); a pleasing effect.

verb

to make happen; to bring about. He tried to effect a reconciliation between his parents.

efˈfective (-tiv) adjective

1. having power to produce, or producing, a desired result. These new teaching methods have proved very effective.

2. striking or pleasing. an effective display of flowers.

3. in operation; working; active. The new law becomes effective next week.

efˈfectively (-tivli) adverb

efˈfects noun plural

1. property; goods. She left few personal effects when she died.

2. in drama etc, devices for producing suitable sounds, lighting etc to accompany a play etc. sound effects.

efˈfectual (-tʃuəl) adjective

successful in producing the desired results. He was not very effectual as an organiser.

come into effect

(of a law etc) to begin to operate. The law came into effect last month.

for effect

for the sake of making an impression. You don't mean that – you only said it for effect.

in effect

1. (of a rule etc) in operation. That law is no longer in effect.

2. in truth or in practical terms. In effect our opinions differed very little.

put into effect

to put (a law etc) into operation. He has begun to put his theories into effect.

take effect

to begin to work; to come into force. When will the drug take effect?