How to pronounce affect
Say it like uh-FEKT. Affect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEKT).
- uh
- FEKT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Affect pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FEKTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of affect
American and British speakers say affect in essentially the same way: /əˈfɛkt/ in the US and /əˈfɛkt/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-FEKT.
What does affect mean?
- To influence or alter.“The experience affected me deeply.”
- To move to emotion.“He was deeply affected by the tragic ending of the play.”
- Of an illness or condition, to infect or harm (a part of the body).“Hepatitis affects the liver.”
- To make a show of; to put on a pretense of; to feign; to assume. To make a false display of.“to affect ignorance”
- To feel affection for (someone); to like, be fond of.
- A subjective feeling experienced in response to a thought or other stimulus; mood, emotion, especially as demonstrated in external physical signs.
Where does affect come from?
From Middle English affecten, from Latin affectāre, from Latin affectus, the participle stem of Latin afficere (“to act upon, influence, affect, attack with disease”), from ad- + facere (“to make, do”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with affect
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of affect.
Words that sound like affect
Questions about saying affect
How do you pronounce affect?
Say uh-FEKT. The American pronunciation is /əˈfɛkt/. In British English it is /əˈfɛkt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in affect?
Affect has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FEKT). Broken into parts: uh · FEKT.
Do Americans and Brits say affect the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈfɛkt/ and the British form is /əˈfɛkt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as affect?
Affect sounds the same as effect in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.