verb · B1

Affect

uh-FEKT/əˈfekt/

Affect is almost always a verb: the news affected her. Effect is usually a noun: the effect of the news. A common exam trap is mixing the two. Influence is similar but often slower and more about people or opinions. Weather, health, prices, and results are typical things that affect us.

Meaning

To have an influence on someone or something.

Examples

“Lack of sleep can affect your mood.”
“How will this change affect our schedule?”
“The delay did not affect the final score.”

Good to know

affect = verb. effect = noun. Common pair: have an effect on.

Near in meaning

influence

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