Definition of “Affected”
Affected is an adjective and verb form that can refer to being influenced by something, displaying artificial behavior, or having a particular emotional state.
- As an adjective: Influenced or changed by an external factor.
- Example: The region was severely affected by the hurricane.
- As an adjective: Artificial or pretentious in manner.
- Example: She spoke in an affected accent to appear more sophisticated.
- As a past-tense verb (of “affect”): Having had an impact on something.
- Example: His words affected her deeply.
Synonyms of “Affected”
Strongest Matches
- Influenced (Altered or impacted by an external force)
- Touched (Emotionally stirred or moved)
- Afflicted (Severely impacted, often negatively)
- Impaired (Functionally reduced due to external impact)
- Artificial (Not natural, exaggerated behavior)
Strong Matches
- Distressed (Emotionally or physically troubled)
- Altered (Changed in some way)
- Pretentious (Trying to impress, unnatural behavior)
- Modulated (Adjusted or changed)
- Impressionable (Easily influenced)
Weak Matches
- Unnatural (Lacking authenticity)
- Contrived (Planned rather than spontaneous)
- Mannered (Overly refined or artificial)
- Inspired (Motivated or stirred by something)
- Perturbed (Slightly disturbed or unsettled)
Example Sentences with “Affected”
Common Usage in Different Contexts
- Scientific/Medical: The patient was affected by the side effects of the drug.
- Emotional: She was deeply affected by the kind words from her mentor.
- Artificiality: His affected British accent was obvious to the native speakers.
- Environmental: The pollution has affected the marine ecosystem dramatically.
- Economic: Stock markets were affected by the latest policy changes.
Contextual Usage of “Affected”
Formal Context: Used in scientific, medical, and official settings (e.g., The new tax laws have affected businesses significantly).
Informal Context: Common in everyday conversations regarding emotions and influence (e.g., That movie really affected me!).
Negative Connotation: When referring to harm, distress, or artificial behavior (e.g., He spoke with an affected air of superiority).
Positive Connotation: When describing positive influence or emotional impact (e.g., She was positively affected by her teacher’s encouragement).
Related Words
- Effected (Brought into being, caused something to happen)
- Effective (Producing a desired result)
- Impact (A strong influence or effect)
- Influence (The ability to shape outcomes or opinions)
- Pretentious (Attempting to appear more important or cultured than one is)
- Disturbed (Mentally or emotionally unsettled)
Additional Relevant Information
- Grammar Tip: “Affected” is often confused with “effected.” Remember that “affected” refers to being influenced, while “effected” means to bring about change.
- Common Misspellings: affectted, afeccted, afacted
- Idiomatic Usage: Affected by (used to show influence, e.g., He was affected by the change in policy).
Disclaimer
This content is for educational and reference purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, language evolves, and usage may vary based on context and region. Always consult a dictionary or linguistics expert for precise definitions and applications.
