English Reference
verb · adjective

effected

v. · adj.
US /ˈifɛktəd/ UK /ɪfˈɛktɪd/ ef·fect·ed

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to make a change or a result happen, especially through effort.

    v.to bring about a result or to put a change into operation. Transitive; typically takes objects like 'change', 'repairs', or 'reforms'.

    Simple

    The new manager effected several changes to the way the team works.

    In context

    The administration effected significant policy reforms during its first hundred days, despite facing considerable opposition from the legislative branch.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the past tense or as an infinitive following 'to'.

    Pitfall
    The weather effected my mood. The weather affected my mood.

    Use 'affect' (with an A) to mean 'to influence'. Use 'effect' (with an E) to mean 'to bring about' or 'to make happen'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Music

    adj.describes a sound or image that has been changed using electronic tools or software.

    adj.referring to a signal, audio track, or visual element that has undergone processing via external effects units or software plugins.

    Simple

    The singer's voice sounded strange because it was heavily effected.

    In context

    The producer decided that the effected guitar track sat better in the mix than the dry, unprocessed signal.

    Usage

    Commonly used in audio engineering and music production contexts to distinguish from a 'dry' signal.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a specialized technical use; in general English, 'effected' is almost always the past tense of the verb meaning 'to bring about'.

    dryunprocessedclean

When he retreated into drink – shades of her father – she effected a neat swap by divorcing, then marrying his paternal cousin.

The Guardian· 25 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated