Effects
ɪˈfɛkts
Definitions
2 meaningsA result or consequence of an action.
ɪˈfɛkts
A change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.
The effect of the rain was a flooded street.
💡 Simply: Think of it like this: if you drop a ball, the *effect* is that it falls to the ground. It’s what happens because of something else. Did you make a mess, the *effect* is that you have to clean up.
👶 For kids: The effect is what happens after something else happens. If you push a toy car, the effect is that the car moves!
More Examples
The company's new policies had a positive effect on employee morale.
The side effects of the new drug were minimal.
How It's Used
"The side effects of the medication were carefully documented."
"Inflation has many detrimental effects on the economy."
"The emotional effects of the loss were difficult to overcome."
Personal property or belongings.
ɪˈfɛkts
Personal belongings; goods.
The estate included the deceased's effects.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're moving. Your *effects* are all the things you own: clothes, furniture, and anything else that's yours. You have many personal *effects*, the things that you take with you.
👶 For kids: Your effects are all the things that you own, like toys, clothes, and books.
More Examples
The fire destroyed all of their personal effects.
She quickly gathered her effects and left the hotel.
How It's Used
"The police inventoried the deceased's effects."
"He packed his effects and left the town."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Middle English *effect*, from Old French *effect* or directly from Latin *effectus* 'an accomplishment, result,' from *efficere* 'to bring about, accomplish'.
Used since the 14th century, initially with a broader range of meanings related to producing or accomplishing something.
Memory tip
Think of the 'cause' and the 'effect' - the effect is the outcome.
Word Origin
"to bring about, accomplish"