Meaning & Definition of word "Affect"

Affect

/əˈfɛkt/

noun:

  • 1. An observable emotion or emotional response.
    • Example: The patient displayed a flat affect during the evaluation.
  • 2. A feeling or emotional response.
    • Example: The play evoked a strong affect that lingered with the viewers.

verb:

  • 1. To have an influence on or make a change in.
    • Example: The weather can greatly affect our mood.
  • 2. To touch or move someone's emotions.
    • Example: Her story about overcoming adversity deeply affected the audience.
  • 3. To pretend or feign; to assume artificially.
    • Example: He tried to affect an air of confidence despite his nervousness.

Etymology

Middle English: from Latin 'afficere', meaning 'to do to, to influence'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

affect change:

to make a significant change in a situation or system.

as it affects me:

in a way that is relevant to me or my situation.

affecting circumstances:

situations that are emotionally impactful or significant.

Related Words

effect:

a change that is a result or consequence of an action.

affection:

a gentle feeling of fondness or liking.

affective:

relating to moods, feelings, and attitudes.

Slang Meanings of affect

Meaning: to influence someone's feelings or actions in a way that is over the top.

Example Sentence: Her drama was just a way to affect people’s emotions.

Meaning: to show false emotions for display.

Example Sentence: He was just affecting sadness to get sympathy.