effets

Effets is the plural form of effet in French, meaning result, consequence, or impact produced by a person, action, process, or substance. The word describes what something causes, including both intended outcomes and unintended consequences. In bilingual or French-language technical writing, phrases such as effets spéciaux or effets secondaires appear frequently.

In pharmacology and medicine, the term covers the range of responses to a substance. Therapeutic effects are the intended benefits, while adverse or side effects are unwanted. The onset, duration, and intensity of effects depend on dose, administration route, metabolism, and interactions with other substances; safety monitoring and pharmacovigilance study these effects.

In arts and media, effets may refer to techniques that create perceived change or illusion. The expression effets spéciaux covers special effects, including practical tricks and computer-generated visuals (VFX). Sound effects and lighting effects also contribute to atmosphere and realism in film, theater, and video games.

In research and policy, an effect is a causal influence. Analysts distinguish effect from cause and discuss effect size, treatment effects, and averages across groups. Rigorous study designs, such as experiments or quasi-experimental methods, aim to identify true effects while controlling for confounding factors.

In environmental and social contexts, effects can be direct or indirect, short-term or long-term, and may accumulate. Understanding effects informs risk assessment, impact evaluation, and decision-making across disciplines.