Affect
'æ.fɛkt
verbIntermediateVery CommonGeneral
Meanings
Question
Definitions
2 meanings1
To produce a change in (someone or something) by having an impact on them.
'æ.fɛkt
verbneutralIntermediate
General
To have an impact on or influence something
Her words affected me deeply.
More Examples
2
The weather affected the crops.
3
The new policy will affect all employees.
How It's Used
General
"His poor performance highly affected the team's morale."
2
To pretend or put on a certain emotion or attitude.
'æ.fɛkt
verbneutralAdvanced
General
To pretend or feign a certain emotion
He affected an air of nonchalance.
More Examples
2
They affected pity for the unfortunate man.
3
She affected excitement despite feeling nervous.
How It's Used
General
"She affected a look of surprise when she saw the cake."
Tip:Imagine an actor 'affecting' a sad mood for a drama role.
Late 15th century from Latin effectus ‘accomplished’, past participle of efficere ‘to bring about’.
Originally derived from the Latin word effectus, it has been used in various forms in legal, medical and dramatic contexts.
Memory tip
Imagine a factory 'affecting' the environment by producing waste.
Practice
Base: affect
aftfecteffect
Usage
70%Spoken
30%Written