formless
/'fɔ:mlis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Lacking a definite or clear shape: Describes something that does not have a distinct, recognizable, or structured form.
- Lacking physical form or substance: Describes something that is intangible or without a material body.
Usage
The adjective "formless" is used to describe objects, substances, or concepts that are amorphous, shapeless, or without a defined structure. It often carries a connotation of vagueness, chaos, or intangibility.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The sculptor started with a formless lump of clay. (The clay initially had no defined shape.)
- Fog rolled in, a formless gray blanket over the valley. (The fog lacked a distinct shape.)
- His fears were formless but overwhelming. (The fears were intangible and not clearly defined.)
Advanced Usage
- In philosophy or cosmology: "Formless" can describe a primordial state of matter or existence before order was imposed.
- Some creation myths describe the universe beginning as a formless void.
- In art criticism: Used to describe abstract works that deliberately avoid recognizable shapes.
- The artist's later work moved towards a more formless expression.
Variants and Related Words
- Formlessly (adverb): In a formless manner.
- The smoke drifted formlessly on the breeze.
- Formlessness (noun): The quality or state of being formless.
- The formlessness of the early universe is a key concept.
Synonyms
- Shapeless: Lacking a definite shape.
- Amorphous: Without a clearly defined shape or form.
- Unstructured: Lacking a definite structure or organization.
- Nebulous: In the form of a cloud or haze; vague or ill-defined.
Antonyms
- Formed: Having a defined form or shape.
- Shaped: Given a particular form.
- Structured: Organized in a definite pattern.
- Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Formless dread: A common phrase describing a pervasive, intangible feeling of anxiety.
- She was gripped by a formless dread as she entered the empty house.
Adjective
- having no physical form
- belief in a world filled with...formless but often malevolent beings
- having no definite form or distinct shape
- amorphous clouds of insects
- an aggregate of formless particles
- a shapeless mass of protoplasm