Affect Meaning
Affect Definition & Usage
To have an emotional impact on someone or something; to influence or make a change in someone's emotional state.
Examples
- "The news of her promotion greatly affected her mood, making her feel more confident."
- "The movie's ending affected me deeply, leaving me in tears."
- "His kind words affected me more than I expected."
- "The sudden loss of his pet had a profound effect on him, affecting his daily routine."
- "The constant criticism began to affect her self-esteem."
To influence or change something, particularly in a physical, political, or practical sense.
Examples
- "The weather conditions affected the flight schedule."
- "The recent policy changes will affect the local economy."
- "The lack of sleep affected her ability to concentrate."
- "The global crisis affected trade relations between the countries."
- "Poor nutrition can affect a child's development."
In psychology, to influence or cause a change in someone's emotional or psychological state, often in relation to mental health.
Examples
- "Depression can severely affect a person's ability to function in daily life."
- "The trauma of the accident affected his mental health for years."
- "The disorder can affect a person's capacity for social interaction."
- "Stressful life events have been shown to affect people’s immune system."
- "Mental health challenges affect millions of people worldwide."
Cultural Context
The word 'affect' has its origins in the Latin word 'afficere,' which means 'to influence or have an effect on.' In modern English, it is commonly used to describe emotional responses, social influences, or changes in physical conditions. In psychology, the term takes on a more specific role, referring to emotional responses observed by clinicians.
The Ripple of a Word
Story
The Ripple of a Word
Hannah stood outside the hospital room, nervously clenching her phone. The doctor had just explained that her father’s health was rapidly declining, and there was nothing more they could do. Her emotions were in turmoil, a mix of sadness, confusion, and anger. She took a deep breath and opened the message from her best friend, Maya. The simple words, 'I’m here for you,' affected her more than she anticipated. She had always known Maya to be a pillar of strength, but today, her words felt like an anchor. 'It’s going to be okay,' Maya had said. Hannah wasn’t sure if she believed that, but the reassurance brought her a sense of comfort that helped calm her racing mind. That evening, as Hannah sat by her father’s bedside, she reflected on the day’s events. The thought of her father, always so strong, now so fragile, affected her deeply. She had spent her entire life depending on him, and now, the roles were reversing. It was hard to accept that things could change so quickly. A few days later, after the funeral, Maya came over to Hannah’s apartment. They sat together on the couch in silence. Hannah looked at her friend, the one person whose words always seemed to affect her in the right way. 'Thank you for being here,' she said quietly. Maya smiled, 'That’s what friends are for.' As time passed, Hannah began to feel the emotional weight of her loss lift, but the experience had affected her in ways she couldn’t quite explain. She had grown, had learned more about herself, about the people around her, and about how a simple word or act of kindness could truly make all the difference. It was as if the whole ordeal had altered her outlook on life, nudging her toward understanding the power of human connection and the emotional waves that bind us all together.
Related Words
