effect-n; 6 Senses

Sense Number 1: a consequence, outcome or result of something

Commentary: EFFECT[+state][+outcome][+consequence] Something that is caused by a preceding phenomenon.

Examples:
The effect of the wage hike was a decrease in the creation of new entry-level jobs.
The magnetic effect produced by the electric current is very strong.
Light is bent around the distant galaxies by a gravitational effect.
The effects of the election were deep and far-reaching.
Her outfit certainly had an effect on me! (the result was a reaction in me)
There are several known side effects to this drug.

Mappings:
PropBank: effect.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: the general impression or appearance of something

Commentary: EFFECT[+quality][+perceptual][+impression] An outward appearance or impression, in general terms.

Examples:
John is probably controversial just for effect.
She uses dramatic lighting in her stage sets to good effect.
The film has some incredible special effects.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 3: in an operational or valid legal state

Commentary: EFFECT[+state][+legal][+valid][+operational]

Examples:
Unfortunately, the law is still in effect.
The curfew is no longer in effect as of last Tuesday.
They succeeded in putting their strategies into effect.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 4: the central meaning or theme of a discourse

Commentary: EFFECT[+information][+content][+central][+theme] The central point of an artistic work, or the main message of a discourse

Examples:
The central effect of Heller's Catch-22 is the absurdity of bureaucratic structures.
He made some comment to the effect that her poetry is overly sentimental.
They resented the new leash law and wrote a letter to the mayor to that effect.

Mappings:
PropBank: effect.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 5: personal belongings or property

Commentary: EFFECT[+collection][+artifact][+belongings][+personal] Usually left behind by a dead person, the property that a person owns (or used to own). Occurs in the plural 'effects'

Examples:
John left me all his personal effects.
I gave the mugger my wallet and some other personal effects.
The suspect returned to the apartment to gather his effects.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 6: being the same, an equivalence

Commentary: EFFECT[+state][+equivalence] Occurs in the phrase 'in effect'

Examples:
Despite his official title as vice-president of operations, Bob is, in effect, running the company.
Critics argue that, in effect, this progressive income tax is a form of welfare.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: Idiom