effect

Everyday

1. An effect is a change or result caused by something. tree →
2. Effects (special effects) are tricks of sound, light or pictures in films and shows. tree →
3. «In effect» means «really, in practice». tree →
4. Formally, to effect a change means to make it happen. tree →
5. The phrase «to this effect» means with this meaning or content, such as a notice saying something like the following. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons we study cause and effect: what happens (effect) because of something (cause), like the effect of heat on ice. In reading, cause-and-effect questions ask why things happen. In everyday life medicine has effects and side effects. Phrases: «have an effect on», «cause and effect», «side effect», «special effects», «sound effects», «take effect», «in effect», «greenhouse effect».

Examples

• What is the effect of heat on chocolate? tree →
• Too much sugar has a bad effect on your teeth. tree →
• The film had amazing special effects. tree →
• The medicine took effect after an hour. tree →
• Cause: it rained. Effect: the match was cancelled. tree →
• The greenhouse effect warms the Earth. tree →
• We added sound effects to our play. tree →
• His kind words had a big effect on her. tree →
• A royal proclamation was issued to this effect. tree →

Note

Countable. Big trap: «effect» is usually a noun (the result); «affect» is usually a verb (to change something): «The weather affects my mood; it has an effect on my mood.» Memory trick: Affect = Action (verb), Effect = End result (noun). A «side effect» is an extra, often unwanted effect.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Here "effect" means a result that follows from a cause. The Sefer Yetzirah describes creation as a chain of results coming from one first cause, God. In the primary lessons: In science lessons we study cause and effect: what happens (effect) because of something (cause), like the effect of heat on ice. In reading, cause-and-effect questions ask why things happen. In everyday life medicine has effects and side effects. Phrases: «have an effect on», «cause and effect», «side effect», «special effects», «sound effects», «take effect», «in effect», «greenhouse effect».

Examples

• and its reduction to writing, form a unity which produce a creative effect. 1 (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• 23) The ancient philosophers maintained that if God is the first cause, and He is necessarily, He, the immediate effect of Him, as an absolute unity, (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• It is unclear if the author or editor of this section is employing Hebrew terms in a novel way, is unfamiliar with human physiology, or is using animal organs to some symbolic effect, or some combination thereof. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• This would mine adversaries effect from the LORD, and they that speak evil against my soul. (Writings PSA.109.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and confidence for ever. (Prophets ISA.32.17, JPS 1917) tree →
• The LORD bringeth the counsel of the nations to nought; He maketh the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect. (Writings PSA.33.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable. Big trap: «effect» is usually a noun (the result); «affect» is usually a verb (to change something): «The weather affects my mood; it has an effect on my mood.» Memory trick: Affect = Action (verb), Effect = End result (noun). A «side effect» is an extra, often unwanted effect.