effect
n. C / Un. a change that happens because of an action or a cause. It is the result of something else happening first.
n. a change that is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. Often used to describe the impact of a variable within a controlled environment.
The medicine had a positive effect on my health.
Scientists are studying the long-term effect of rising temperatures on local crop yields.
The researchers observed a significant ripple effect throughout the local economy following the closure of the city's largest manufacturing plant.
Of the noun: from Middle English effect, from Old French effect (modern French effet), from Latin effectus (“an effect, tendency, purpose”), from efficiō (“accomplish, complete, effect”); see effect as a verb. Displaced Old English fremming, fremednes from fremman. Of the verb: from Middle English effecten, partly from Medieval Latin effectuō, from Latin effectus, perfect passive participle of efficiō (“accomplish, complete, do, effect”), from ex (“out”) + faciō (“do, make”) (see fact and compare affect, infect) and partly from the noun effect.
Commonly used with the preposition 'on' to indicate the target of the change.
The medicine had a good affectThe medicine had a good effectLearners frequently confuse the noun 'effect' with the verb 'affect'.