French word

effet

Pronunciation

IPA/efɛ/

Meaning

  • masculine nouneffect

Example

Ce médicament a un effet rapide.

This medicine has a quick effect.

Illustration for effet (effect)

More examples

Cette décision aura un effet positif sur l'économie.

This decision will have a positive effect on the economy.

Core concept

A trace or shift that shows what a cause has done.

Common phrases

  • avoir un effet immédiat

    have an immediate effect

  • effet secondaire

    side effect

  • effet positif

    positive effect

Similar words

conséquence: An outcome arising from an event or action.
résultat: A clear outcome appearing at the end of an action or process.
influence: The power to change a person, thing, or way of thinking.
impact: A strong, immediate change or shock caused by something.

Definition in French

Résultat observable produit par une cause, une action ou un phénomène, souvent jugé selon son intensité ou sa durée.

Word origin

The noun effet developed through Old French from Latin effectus, a form of efficere built on ex, meaning out, and facere, meaning make or do.

Usage tips

  • The pattern avoir un effet sur describes an influence on something, while faire effet commonly describes a treatment or measure beginning to work.

Other meanings

  • impactnoun

Opposites

  • causecausenoun
  • inefficacitéineffectivenessnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word