Impact: meaning, definitions and examples

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impact

[ˈɪmpakt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

noun

The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another. The effect or influence of one person, thing, or action, on another.

Synonyms

consequence, effect, influence, outcome, result.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impact	Used to describe a strong or significant influence or effect on something. Often used in more serious or formal contexts. The new regulations had a major impact on the company's profits. Climate change is having a noticeable impact on wildlife.
effect	Describes a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. It is more general and can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts. The medication had an immediate effect. The new law will take effect next month.
influence	Indicates the power to have an important effect on someone or something. It often suggests a subtle or not immediately obvious control or impact. Her positive attitude was a great influence on her colleagues. The book had a profound influence on his thinking.
consequence	Refers to a result or effect of an action or condition, usually with a negative or neutral connotation. Often implies some level of inevitability or seriousness. Carelessly tossing rubbish can have serious environmental consequences. She didn't consider the long-term consequences of her decisions.
result	Describes something that happens or exists because of something else. It is quite similar to 'effect' but is often used in more situational or immediate contexts. He studied hard, and as a result, he passed his exams. The team's hard work yielded positive results.
outcome	Refers to the final result of a process, meeting, or activity. It is often used in contexts like research, experiments, or any scenario where a result is expected. The outcome of the election was unexpected. Researchers are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the clinical trials.

Examples of usage

The asteroid had a huge impact when it collided with Earth.
The new policy had a positive impact on the company's profits.
His speech had a strong impact on the audience.
The impact of climate change is becoming more evident.
The impact of the pandemic on the economy cannot be underestimated.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

verb

Have a strong effect on someone or something.

Synonyms

affect, change, influence, modify, transform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
impact	Use this word when talking about a strong and often sudden effect on something or someone. It is often used in serious or significant situations. The earthquake had a severe impact on the city's infrastructure Her speech made a profound impact on the audience
affect	Use this word when describing how something changes or influences the state or condition of something else. It generally describes a more subtle or ongoing change. The new law will affect small businesses differently than large corporations Her mood can affect how well she performs at work
influence	Use this word to describe the ability to affect decisions, actions, or thinking, often in a subtle or indirect way. Her advice had a significant influence on my career path Social media influencers have the power to influence consumer behavior
change	Use this word when referring to making something different, altering its state or condition fundamentally. It is a general term that can apply to a wide range of scenarios. You need to change your habits if you want to lose weight They decided to change the company's logo to attract younger customers
modify	Use this word when talking about making small changes to something, often to improve it or make it more suitable. We need to modify the design of the product to meet customer needs The teacher modified the lesson plan to better suit the students' interests
transform	Use this word when describing a complete or major change in someone or something, often leading to improvement. The new technology has the potential to transform the healthcare industry He transformed his garage into a home office

Examples of usage

The new law will impact businesses across the country.
The decision to cut funding will impact the research project.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word derives from the Latin 'impactus,' meaning 'to strike against,' highlighting physical force.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, originally referring to the pressing together of two things.

Science

In physics, impact refers to the forceful contact between two bodies, influencing their motion and energy transfer.
Scientists study impact in various fields, including mechanics, to understand collisions and their effects on objects.

Environmental Studies

The term 'impact' is commonly used to assess how human activities like pollution affect the environment.
Studies examine the impact of climate change on ecosystems, indicating significant shifts in habitats and species.

Psychology

Impact has a psychological dimension, influencing how events or experiences can change a person’s thoughts or feelings.
Traumatic experiences, for instance, have a lasting impact on mental health and emotional well-being.

Pop Culture

The word is frequently used in films and literature, often to describe life-changing events or moments.
In recent years, documentaries and social movements emphasize the impact of actions on societies and cultures.

Translations

Translations of the word "impact" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impacto

🇮🇳 प्रभाव

🇩🇪 Einfluss

🇮🇩 dampak

🇺🇦 вплив

🇵🇱 wpływ

🇯🇵 影響 (えいきょう)

🇫🇷 impact

🇪🇸 impacto

🇹🇷 etki

🇰🇷 영향 (yeonghyang)

🇸🇦 تأثير

🇨🇿 dopad

🇸🇰 vplyv

🇨🇳 影响 (yǐngxiǎng)

🇸🇮 vpliv

🇮🇸 áhrif

🇰🇿 әсер

🇬🇪 ზეგავლენა

🇦🇿 təsir

🇲🇽 impacto

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,083, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1080 minimum
1081 farm
1082 tests
1083 impact
1084 inside
1085 relatively
1086 summer
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