Affected

/əˈfɛktɪd/

adjectiveBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Producing a noticeable change or effect; influenced.

/əˈfɛktɪd/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
General

Influenced or changed by something.

The affected area was visibly swollen.

💡 Simply: Changed or influenced by something.

More Examples

2

He was deeply affected by the news.

How It's Used

Medical

"The patient presented with affected limbs."

General

"Her voice was affected by emotion."

2

To produce a change or effect on something or someone.

/əˈfɛkt/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To have an impact or influence on someone or something.

The rain affected the crops.

💡 Simply: To change or influence something.

More Examples

2

The decision affected his future.

How It's Used

General

"The weather affected our plans."

Business

"The new policy affected employee morale."

Tip:To affect is to make a difference.

Idioms & expressions

affectedly polite

Showing politeness in an artificial or exaggerated way.

"She greeted him with an affectedly polite smile."

From Middle English *affeicted*, from Old French *afeict*, past participle of *afeicter* "to affect, inflict," from Latin *afficere* "to affect, influence; cause, inflict," from *ad-* "to" + *facere* "to do, make."

The word 'affected' has been used in similar ways throughout history, often emphasizing a negative consequence or change.

Memory tip

Think of being 'affected' by a strong emotion – it changes you.

afftectedafectedaffeted

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written