affect vs effect: what's the difference?

Affect is usually a verb meaning "to influence"; effect is usually a noun meaning "a result".

affect

/əˈfɛkt/

Meaning: to influence or change something

Example: “The cold weather affected my mood.”

Full definition of affect →

effect

/ɪˈfɛkt/

Meaning: a result or change caused by something

Example: “The medicine had no effect.”

Full definition of effect →

How to remember

Affect is the Action (verb); effect is the End result (noun). "Effect" is also a formal verb meaning "to bring about", as in "to effect change".

More commonly confused words