halo effect

noun

1. a predisposition to admire all of a person's actions, work, etc., because of an estimable quality or action in the past.
2. Psychology. a potential inaccuracy in observation, as of a person, due to overgeneralization from a limited amount of evidence or the influence of preconceived beliefs or a priori hypotheses:

   The assumption that he is an authority on the subject is a halo effect of his Ivy League manner.

3. any desirable side effect.

halo effect

noun

1. See horns and halo effect
2. the beneficial effect on sales of a company's range of products produced by the popularity or high profile of one particular product

Word History and Origins

Origin of halo effect¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

This relationship with the organisation's spiritual leader would later give Sinwar a "halo effect" within the movement, Michael adds.

From BBC

A halo effect occurs, and you then subconsciously believe that everything about the product – including its reviews – is better.

From Salon

If we were losing before, the thinking went, a halo effect on a nearly martyred Trump makes it all the more imperative that we act now to get a new candidate.

From Slate

Donors’ ability to deduct their donations can be a major sell, not to mention it can create “a halo effect” for the group, Mayer added.

From Salon

The halo effect describes our penchant to admire one thing about a person and then jump to the conclusion that they must be perfect overall.

From Los Angeles Times