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usage Effect and
affect are often confused because of their similar spelling and pronunciation. The verb
2affect usually has to do with pretense [she
affected a cheery disposition despite feeling down]. The more common
3affect denotes having an effect or influence [the weather
affected everyone's mood]. The verb
effect goes beyond mere influence; it refers to actual achievement of a final result [the new administration hopes to
effect a peace settlement]. The uncommon noun
affect, which has a meaning relating to psychology, is also sometimes mistakenly used for the very common
effect. In ordinary use, the noun you will want is
effect [waiting for the new law to take
effect] [the weather had an
effect on everyone's mood].