Usage Note
Efecto appears in several fixed phrases a learner should know: en efecto ('indeed, in fact'), efectos secundarios ('side effects'), and a efectos de ('for the purposes of'). The plural efectos also means personal belongings (efectos personales). The adjective efectivo means 'effective' but also 'cash' (pagar en efectivo = to pay in cash).
Examples
"El medicamento tuvo un efecto positivo."
Natural Translation
The medication had a positive effect.
Literal Translation
The medication had an effect positive

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