Key Difference – Affected vs Effected
Affected and Effected are two words that are considered as homonyms. Homonyms are words that sound similar although they differ in meaning. It is this similarity between the two that lead to confusion for most language learners. When focusing on the key difference between these two words, it is important to stress that the difference stems from their meaning. This difference can be explained as follows. Affected refers to having an impact on something or someone. On the other hand, effected refers to executing or producing something.
What is Affected?
Affected stems from the verb affect. This refers to influencing or changing something. The Oxford English Dictionary defined it as making a difference.
Thousands of people were affected by the floods.
The new policies affected the payment schemes of many organizations of the private sector.
The monsoonal rain affected our journey.
Affected can also be used as an adjective. As an adjective, affected refers to being influenced, behaving or speaking in an artificial manner to impress others or being deeply moved. Here are some examples.
We were all affected by her sudden decease.
Her affected indifference was ludicrous.
Thousands of people were affected by the floods.
What is Effected?
Effected stems from the verb effect. This refers to making something happen, accomplishing or causing something. Here are some examples.
After many failed attempts, the scientist finally effected a cure for the malady.
The board of directors effected a new policy that cut across all divisions of the firm.
The noun form is effect. This refers to a result of something.
Until you get the proper effect, you will have to try harder.
The new transportation plan had negative effects.
After many failed attempts, the scientist finally effected a cure for the malady.
What is the difference between Affected and Effected?
Definitions of Affected and Effected:
Affected: Affected refers to having an impact on something or someone.
Effected: Effected refers to executing or producing something.
Characteristics of Affected and Effected:
Verb:
Affected: The verb form is affect.
Effected: The verb form is effect.
Noun:
Affected: The noun form is affect.
Effected: The noun form is effect.
Mostly used form:
Affected: Affect is mostly used as a verb.
Effected: Effect is mostly used as a noun.
Image Courtesy:
1. 2010 floods in Slovenia By Brane Petrovič & Borut Podgoršek, MORS (mors.si) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Medical laboratory scientist By National Institutes of Health [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons