Affect and effect are two of the most commonly confused words in English. They sound and look similar, and even relate in meaning — but they have different grammar functions and are used in different ways.

b : to cause illness, symptoms, etc., in (someone or something) a disease that affects millions of patients each year

Both buildings were badly affected by the fire. The divorce affected every aspect of her life. It's a disease that affects mainly older people. I was deeply affected by the film (= it caused strong feelings in me).

affect somebody/something to produce a change in somebody/something. How will these changes affect us? The article deals with issues affecting the lives of children. Thousands of people have been …

When something affects someone or something, it influences them or causes them to change. ...decisions that would affect me for the rest of my life.

affect is a verb, affected and affectionate are adjectives, affection is a noun: Nothing seems to affect him. The way he speaks is affected and phony. The cat is friendly and affectionate. She shows a lot …

AFFECT definition: 1. to influence someone or something, or cause them to change: 2. to cause a strong emotion…. Learn more.

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Nov 15, 2025 · Affect and effect are sometimes confused. Affect conveys influence over something that already exists, but effect indicates the manifestation of new or original ideas or entities: "...new …

affect meaning, definition, what is affect: to do something that produces an effect ...: Learn more.