Affect: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe an emotional or psychological change.

• The movie deeply affected him
• Loud noises can affect my concentration

Used in situations where a gradual or subtle change happens due to someone's actions or presence.

• Her friends' opinions influenced her decision
• The teacher's guidance had a positive influence on the student

Refers to a strong and often sudden effect or influence.

• The new law had a significant impact on the economy
• Her speech made a big impact on the audience

Describes the process of forming or molding something over time.

• His experiences in the army shaped his character
• Cultural traditions shape our beliefs

Use 'affect' when talking about causing a change or making an impact, usually in an emotional or behavioral way.

• The news of her promotion really affected her mood.
• The weather can affect your decision on what to wear.

'Alter' is appropriate when referring to making a small or slight change to something, often something already existing.

• She decided to alter her wedding dress.
• The plan was altered slightly to accommodate everyone's schedules.

Use 'change' when referring to making something different from what it was, in a general sense.

• He decided to change his major after the first year at college.
• The company plans to change its logo next month.

'Modify' is used when making partial or minor changes to something, usually to improve or make it less extreme.

• The rules were modified to make the game more fair.
• He decided to modify his car to make it faster.

'Influence' implies having an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

• His friends had a big influence on his decision to start a band.
• The book influenced her perspective on life.