Distinguishing Between Affected & Effected

Key Difference – Affected vs Effected

Affected and Effected are often considered homonyms, leading to confusion among language learners due to their similar pronunciation. The key difference between the two words lies in their meaning. Affected refers to having an impact on something or someone, while effected refers to executing or producing something.

What is Affected?

Affected originates from the verb “affect,” which means to influence or change something. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as making a difference. Affected can also be used as an adjective, referring to being influenced, behaving, or speaking in an artificial manner to impress others or being deeply moved.

What is Effected?

Effected comes from the verb “effect,” which refers to making something happen, accomplishing, or causing something. The noun form is “effect,” which refers to a result of something.

What is the difference between Affected and Effected?

The definitions of Affected and Effected are as follows:

• Affected: Affected refers to having an impact on something or someone.
• Effected: Effected refers to executing or producing something.

The verb and noun forms are as follows:

• Affected: The verb form is “affect,” and the noun form is “affect.”
• Effected: The verb form is “effect,” and the noun form is “effect.”

The most commonly used forms are:

• Affected: “Affect” is mostly used as a verb.
• Effected: “Effect” is mostly used as a noun.