SHAPE
/ʃeip/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- The external form, contours, or outline of someone or something: The physical configuration or appearance of an object.
- A geometric figure: A specific form defined by its spatial properties, such as a square, circle, or triangle.
- The condition or state of something, especially regarding fitness or order: A particular state of being, often relating to health or organization.
- A definite or orderly arrangement: The way in which parts are arranged or organized to form a whole.
Verb:
- To give a particular form or shape to something: To mold, form, or create something into a specific configuration.
- To influence the development or nature of something: To have a significant effect on the formation or direction of something.
- To take on a particular form; to develop: To come into being or to develop in a certain way.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The shape of the vase was elegant and curved.
- Geometry is the study of points, lines, and shapes.
- She exercises regularly to stay in good shape.
- The project is finally taking shape.
Verb:
- The potter shaped the clay into a beautiful bowl.
- His early experiences shaped his worldview.
- Our plans for the new park are beginning to shape up nicely.
Advanced Usage
"In shape": In good physical condition.
- He runs every day to stay in shape.
"Take shape": To begin to develop or become clear.
- The new policy is starting to take shape after months of discussion.
"Shape up": To improve one's behavior, performance, or condition.
- If your work doesn't shape up, you could lose your job.
Variants and Related Words
Shapeless (adj): Lacking a definite or attractive shape.
- The melted candle was a shapeless blob.
Shapely (adj): Having an attractive or pleasing shape, often used for the human body.
- She has shapely legs.
Shaping (n): The action or process of giving something a shape.
- The shaping of public opinion is a complex process.
Synonyms
- Form (n/v): The visible shape or configuration of something; to constitute or make up.
- Structure (n): The arrangement of and relations between the parts or elements of something complex.
- Mold (v): To form (an object) out of a soft substance.
- Influence (v): To have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Shape up: To develop or progress in a certain way; to improve.
- The team needs to shape up if they want to win the championship.
Shape into: To develop or transform into a particular form or state.
- The raw idea slowly shaped into a detailed plan.
Related Idioms
Bend something out of shape: To distort or deform something; (figuratively) to become very upset.
- Don't bend the key out of shape. / He got bent out of shape over a minor criticism.
Knock something into shape: To improve or organize something so that it functions properly.
- We have a week to knock this draft report into shape.
Noun
- a perceptual structure
- the composition presents problems for students of musical form
- a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them
- the supreme headquarters that advises NATO on military matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command Europe
- the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape')
- the visual appearance of something or someone
- the delicate cast of his features
- a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept
- a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life
- alternative names for the body of a human being
- Leonardo studied the human body
- he has a strong physique
- the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
- the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
- geometry is the mathematical science of shape
- any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
- he could barely make out their shapes
Verb
- give shape or form to
- shape the dough
- form the young child's character
- make something, usually for a specific function
- She molded the rice balls carefully
- Form cylinders from the dough
- shape a figure
- Work the metal into a sword
- shape or influence; give direction to
- experience often determines ability
- mold public opinion