effect
UK[ɪˈfɛkt]US[ɪˈfɛkt]
n
a change that is caused by something; the result of an action or cause
n
the state of being operative or in force
n
an impression produced in the mind of a spectator, reader, etc.
v
to cause something to happen; to bring about
Morpheme Breakdown
ef
fect
ef
out
fect
make
Etymology
The word 'effect' entered English in the late 14th century via Old French 'effect' from the Latin 'effectus', meaning 'accomplishment, performance'. This Latin noun is derived from the past participle of the verb 'efficere', which is a compound of 'ex-' (meaning 'out') and 'facere' (meaning 'to make' or 'to do'). The core logic of the word, therefore, is literally "to make out" or "to bring about," signifying something that has been produced or accomplished. Over time, this sense of a produced result evolved to encompass the various nuances of a consequence, an operative state, or a produced impression.
Analysis
Structure: ef (out) + fect (make)
- ef: A Latin prefix meaning 'out' or 'thoroughly'. It is an assimilated form of 'ex-' used before 'f'.
- fect: From the Latin root 'facere', meaning 'to make' or 'to do'. The spelling 'fect' is a past participial stem variant.
Examples
The new policy had an immediate effect on the company's productivity.
The law will come into effect at the beginning of next year.
The lighting was used to create a dramatic effect on stage.