in effect

in effect (not comparable)

1. Operating or functioning; in force; in play.

   Until the new guidelines come out, the old rules are still in effect.

• into effect
• take effect

in effect (not comparable)

1. For all practical purposes; in practice; virtually; essentially; basically.

   Synonyms: effectively; see also Thesaurus:fundamentally

   • Separated from the rest of Heathrow, this would, in effect, be a second airport. — The Guardian, Aug 21 2007, George Monbiot.