Bench Decorum

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary

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].

How bold of m-w.com. They're usually so friggin' descriptive....