Gloss
All words
B1nounhealthsociety

US/ɪˈfekt/
UK/ɪˈfekt/

a change that happens because of something else; a result

In context

  • Social media has a strong effect on how teenagers see themselves.

  • This medicine may have some side effects, such as headaches.

  • The new traffic rules will come into effect next January.

Words that go with effect

noun + preposition

  • effect onCoffee has a different effect on different people.

verb + noun

  • have an effectThe new policy didn't have much effect.

noun + noun

  • side effectFeeling sleepy is a common side effect of this medicine.

adjective + noun

  • negative effectLong working hours have a negative effect on family life.
  • positive effectRegular exercise has a positive effect on your mood.
  • long-term effectWe don't yet know the long-term effects of the new drug.

verb + preposition

  • come into effectThe new tax rules came into effect last month.

Common mistakes

  • Incorrect: Stress has a bad effect to your health.

    Correct: Stress has a bad effect on your health.