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REFERENCE

affecting

adj. · v.
US //əˈfɛktɪŋ// UK //ɐfˈɛktɪŋ// af·fect·ing
  1. 1 emotionally moving (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    causing strong feelings, especially sadness, pity, or sympathy.

    evoking a strong emotional response, typically one of pathos, sympathy, or sadness.

    Example

    The old man told an affecting story about his childhood during the war.

    Example

    The documentary concludes with an affecting montage of the refugees' journey, leaving the audience in a state of contemplative silence.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.
    • unmoving
    • uninspiring
  2. 2 influencing something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the -ing form of 'affect', meaning to cause a change in someone or something.

    the present participle of 'affect', meaning to produce an effect upon or to influence a particular outcome.

    Example

    The rising cost of fuel is affecting many small businesses in the area.

    Example

    The new environmental regulations are already affecting the way local manufacturers handle industrial waste and chemical runoff.
    Pitfall
    The weather is effecting my mood.
    The weather is affecting my mood.

    Use 'affecting' as a verb for influence; 'effecting' means bringing something into existence and is much rarer.

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  1. 3 pretending or feigning (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    pretending to feel or be something to impress others.

    the present participle of 'affect', meaning to assume a character, accent, or emotion artificially.

    Example

    He was affecting a British accent to sound more sophisticated at the party.

    Example

    By affecting an air of indifference, the negotiator managed to hide his desperate need to close the deal before the deadline.

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