Affect/əˈfekt/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Context Matters The effect is direct when 'affect' is used. Look for what is influenced. Pollution can affect air quality. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Negative 'Affect' doesn't imply a negative influence; the context determines it. Regular exercise positively affected his health. Pro Tip 3/3Confusion With 'Effect' 'Affect' is the action; 'effect' is the result. They are often confused. The movie didn't affect me much.