Affect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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affect
[əˈfɛkt ]
Definitions
psychology
To have an influence on or cause a change in someone or something's emotions or behavior.
Synonyms
impact, influence, influence, shape.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| affect |
Typically used to describe an emotional or psychological change.
|
| influence |
Used in situations where a gradual or subtle change happens due to someone's actions or presence.
|
| impact |
Refers to a strong and often sudden effect or influence.
|
| shape |
Describes the process of forming or molding something over time.
|
Examples of usage
- The traumatic event deeply affected her mental health.
- The positive feedback affected his motivation to succeed.
general
To make a difference or change in something.
Synonyms
alter, change, influence, modify.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| affect |
Use 'affect' when talking about causing a change or making an impact, usually in an emotional or behavioral way.
|
| alter |
'Alter' is appropriate when referring to making a small or slight change to something, often something already existing.
|
| change |
Use 'change' when referring to making something different from what it was, in a general sense.
|
| modify |
'Modify' is used when making partial or minor changes to something, usually to improve or make it less extreme.
|
| influence |
'Influence' implies having an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
|
Examples of usage
- The weather will affect our travel plans.
- The new policy will affect all employees.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Affect is a crucial part of emotional processing, influencing decision-making and social interactions.
- Positive and negative affects are often measured in psychological studies to assess emotional responses.
- Emotional states can be categorized into affects such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear, which help in understanding human behavior.
Art and Literature
- In literature, authors use emotive language to affect readers, drawing them into the story's emotional world.
- The concept of affect has inspired movements in art like expressionism, which seeks to evoke emotional responses through intense imagery.
- Many forms of artistic expression rely on the power to affect viewers or listeners, creating a profound connection through shared feelings.
Sociology
- Social interactions often hinge on the affective states of individuals, influencing group dynamics and relationships.
- Cultural differences can shape how affects are expressed and perceived, leading to diverse interpretations in various societies.
- Understanding affect is vital in the realm of community building, as shared emotional experiences can unify individuals.
Pop Culture
- Movies and music are designed to affect audiences emotionally, eliciting feelings through storytelling and sound.
- Social media platforms exploit emotional engagement, aiming to evoke reactions and affect the way people interact online.
- Memes often play on affects to humorously convey feelings or situations, making them a popular means of sharing emotions in digital culture.
Origin of 'affect'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'afficere', which means to do something to, to influence, or to have an effect upon.
- First known use in English dates back to the 16th century, showcasing its long-standing role in language.
- In psychology, 'affect' is often referred to the experience of feeling or emotion, highlighting its evolution from a general term to a specialized one.
The word 'affect' originated from the Latin word 'afficere', meaning 'to do something to, act on'. It entered the English language in the 15th century with the meaning 'to have an influence on'. Over time, its usage expanded to include a broader range of effects and influences.
See also: affectation, affected, affectedness, affection, affective, disaffected, unaffected.