affect
Definitions
To have an influence on; to make a difference to
影响，对……产生作用
To pretend to have or feel; to put on as a pose
假装，装出（某种样子）
(psychology) Observable emotion or mood, as shown in expression and behavior
（心理学）情感，情绪表现
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedaf- (a form of ad-, 'to') + fect (fac 'do/make') = 'to do something to' — to act upon and change. From this core 'act upon' sense come its branches: to affect a result (influence it), and to affect an accent (do/put on a manner you don't really have).
Root fac still carries 273 more wordsWhy It Means This
The two everyday senses both flow from 'do something to.' Influence is doing something to an outcome. The 'pretend' sense (affect an air of calm) is doing/putting on a manner — performing a face you don't truly have. The psychology noun 'affect' (flat affect) is the outward emotion you display. The notorious affect vs effect pair: affect is almost always the verb (to influence), effect is almost always the noun (the result).
Usage Guide
Pronunciation/stress: as the common verb 'influence,' it's a-FFECT (/əˈfekt/). The psychology noun is stressed on the first syllable, AF-fect (/ˈæfekt/). Most learners only ever need the verb. The 'pretend' sense is fairly formal/literary.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The drought severely affected this year's harvest.
- 2.
How will the new rules affect small businesses?
- 3.
He affected an air of indifference, though he was hurt.
- 4.
The patient presented with a flat affect and slow speech.
Easily Confused
affect vs effect — the classic trap. affect is the verb 'to influence' (The noise affects my sleep). effect is the noun 'the result' (The noise has an effect on my sleep). Memory trick: Affect = Action (verb). The rare reversals (to effect change = bring it about; psychological affect = a noun) are exceptions to learn later.