noun
affect
An observable expression of emotion.
The clinician notes the patient's subdued affect during the interview.
Etymology
Latin affectus named a mental or emotional state. In psychological use, affect identifies emotion as it appears outwardly, such as through facial expression, voice, or behavior.
More examples
- Her words were cheerful, but her affect seemed flat.
- The assessment records changes in mood and affect.
- His facial expressions showed a wider range of affect today.
Forms
affect · affects
affective adjective — Relating to emotion or emotional expression.
Similar words
- expression
- Can describe a single visible sign rather than overall emotional presentation.
- mood
- Describes an emotional state, which may not be outwardly visible.