primary effect

[ˈpraɪ.mer.i ɪˈfekt]
nounpl: primary effects
efeito primário
1. The first or most direct consequence or result of an action, substance, or phenomenon
The primary effect of the medication is to reduce fever.
O efeito primário do medicamento é reduzir a febre.
2. In scientific or technical contexts, the main or principal impact before secondary or tertiary effects occur
The primary effect of inflation is the decrease in purchasing power.
O efeito primário da inflação é a diminuição do poder de compra.
3. In psychology or sociology, the initial or fundamental impact of a stimulus or intervention
The primary effect of the policy was to increase employment rates.
O efeito primário da política foi aumentar as taxas de emprego.
This is predominantly technical/scientific terminology used equally in both Brazilian and American English contexts. It appears frequently in medical prescriptions, scientific papers, and policy analysis in both the USA and Brazil.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
main effectdirect effectinitial effectfirst effectprincipal effect
Antonyms / Antônimos
secondary effecttertiary effectindirect effectside effect

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
efeito primário
Standard usage in scientific, medical, and academic contexts
Portugal
efeito primário
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese; common in pharmaceutical and scientific literature

Related Words

side effectconsequenceoutcomeimpactresult

Related Idioms & Phrases

have a primary effect on something
the primary effect is felt
primary effect ripples through
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