1. Home
  2. Dictionary
  3. Shape

Definition of Shape in English :

Define Shape in English

Shape meaning in English

Meaning of Shape in English

Pronunciation of Shape in English

Shape pronunciation in English

Pronounce Shape in English

Shape

see synonyms of shape

Noun

1. configuration, conformation, contour, form, shape

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

Example Sentences:
'he could barely make out their shapes'

2. form, shape

the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance

Example Sentences:
'geometry is the mathematical science of shape'

3. anatomy, bod, build, chassis, figure, flesh, form, frame, human body, material body, physical body, physique, shape, soma

alternative names for the body of a human being

Example Sentences:
'Leonardo studied the human body'
'he has a strong physique'
'the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak'

4. embodiment, shape

a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept

Example Sentences:
'a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life'

5. cast, form, shape

the visual appearance of something or someone

Example Sentences:
'the delicate cast of his features'

6. condition, shape

the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases in condition' or in shape' or out of condition' or out of shape')

7. shape, supreme headquarters allied powers europe

the supreme headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe

8. form, pattern, shape

a perceptual structure

Example Sentences:
'the composition presents problems for students of musical form'
'a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them'

Verb

9. determine, influence, mold, regulate, shape

shape or influence; give direction to

Example Sentences:
'experience often determines ability'
'mold public opinion'

10. forge, form, mold, mould, shape, work

make something, usually for a specific function

Example Sentences:
'She molded the rice balls carefully'
'Form cylinders from the dough'
'shape a figure'
'Work the metal into a sword'

11. form, shape

give shape or form to

Example Sentences:
'shape the dough'
'form the young child's character'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Shape

see synonyms of shape
noun
1. 
the outward form of an object defined by outline
2. 
the figure or outline of the body of a person
3. 
a phantom
4. 
organized or definite form
my plans are taking shape
5. 
the form that anything assumes; guise
6. 
something used to provide or define form; pattern; mould
7. 
condition or state of efficiency
to be in good shape
8.  out of shape
9.  take shape
verb
10. (when intr, often foll by into or up)
to receive or cause to receive shape or form
11. (transitive)
to mould into a particular pattern or form; modify
12. (transitive)
to plan, devise, or prepare
to shape a plan of action
13.  an obsolete word for appoint
noun acronym for
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Shape

see synonyms of shape
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe
noun
1. 
that quality of a thing which depends on the relative position of all points composing its outline or external surface; physical or spatial form
2. 
the form characteristic of a particular person or thing, or class of things
3. 
the contour of the body, exclusive of the face; figure
4. 
assumed or feigned appearance; guise
a foe in the shape of a friend
5. 
an imaginary or spectral form; phantom
6. 
something having a particular shape, used as a mold or basis for shaping or fashioning
7. 
any of the forms, structures, etc. in which a thing may exist
dangers of every shape
8. 
definite, regular, or suitable form; orderly arrangement
to begin to take shape
9.  US
a. 
condition; state, esp. of health
a patient in poor shape
b. 
good physical condition
exercises that keep one in shape
verb transitiveWord forms: shaped or ˈshaping
10. 
to give definite shape to; make, as by cutting or molding material
11. 
to arrange, fashion, express, or devise (a plan, answer, etc.) in definite form
12. 
to adapt or adjust
to shape one's plans to one's abilities
13. 
to direct or conduct (one's life, the course of events, etc.)
14.  Obsolete
to appoint or decree
verb intransitive
15.  Obsolete
to become suited; conform
16.  Rare
to happen
17.  Informal
to take shape or form
often with into or up

Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

Shape

see synonyms of shape
n.
1.
a. The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or contour: a lake in the shape of an hourglass. See Synonyms at form.
b. Spatial form, contour, or appearance: The sandy coastline is always changing shape.
2.
a. The body or outward appearance of a person or an animal: saw two shapes walking toward her in the night.
b. The contour of a person's body; the figure: a swimmer with a slender shape.
3.
a. A definite or distinctive form: Our discussion acquired the shape of an argument.
b. Form, condition, or embodiment: How is your research project taking shape?
c. A desirable form: a fabric that holds its shape.
4.
a. Assumed or false appearance; guise: a god in the shape of a swan.
b. A ghostly form; a phantom: Shapes appeared in his bedroom at night.
5. Something, such as a mold or pattern, used to give or determine form.
6.
a. The condition of something with regard to effectiveness, use, or appearance: What kind of shape is your car in?
b. Bodily condition, as in regard to muscle tone or endurance: She's in great shape after working out for six months.
tr.v. shaped, shap·ing, shapes
1. To create or fashion, as:
a. To give a particular form to (a material): shape the dough into baguettes.
b. To create or configure, as from a material: a sculpture that was shaped out of ice.
2. To cause to conform to a particular form: a pool that is shaped like an hourglass; a bone that is shaped to bear weight.
3.
a. To plan or devise: shape a new educational program.
b. To embody in a definite form: shaped a folk tale into an opera.
4.
a. To influence in a formative way: experiences that shaped his identity.
b. To direct the course of: "He shaped history as well as being shaped by it" (Robert J. Samuelson).

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

WORD OF THE DAY

lea

FIND OUT WHAT IT MEANS

Recent Searches