Affect
/əˈfɛkt/noun
To have an influence on or make a change in something.
Did you know?The word 'affect' comes from Latin roots meaning 'to influence or have power over', linking it to concepts of emotional manipulation and connection to the divine.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
affectare
“To strive for, to aim at, to influence.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
affectus
“State of mind, inclination, passion.”
Old French
Old French
afecter
“To make a show of, to feign, to influence.”
Middle English
Middle English
affecten
“To have an effect upon, to influence.”
Modern English
Modern English
affect
“To make an impact on or influence; often used in psychological contexts.”