Meaning & use
shape
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Meanings
nouncountable or uncountable
The outer form or outline of something, such as a circle, square or irregular outline.
Grammar: Countable for kinds: a shape; uncountable in general.
Patterns
- in the shape of something
- take shape
The cookies were cut in the shape of stars.
A circle is a simple shape.
The cloud had the shape of a rabbit.
nounsingularinformal
The condition or state of someone or something, especially health or fitness.
Grammar: Used in phrases: in good shape.
Patterns
- in good shape
- out of shape
He is in great shape after months of training.
The old house is in poor shape.
I am out of shape and need to exercise.
verbtransitive
To give something a particular form by pressing, cutting or bending it.
Grammar: Takes an object: shape the clay.
Patterns
- shape something into something
She shaped the dough into small rolls.
The sculptor shaped the clay with her hands.
The river shaped the valley over millions of years.
verbtransitive
To strongly influence how something develops.
Grammar: Often abstract: shape opinion.
Patterns
- shape something
- shape how people do something
Early experiences shape a child's personality.
The report will shape future policy.
Her teachers shaped her love of science.
Word forms
| plural | shapes |
|---|---|
| third person singular | shapes |
| past tense | shaped |
| past participle | shaped |
| -ing form | shaping |
Common combinations
- in good shape
- The car is in good shape for its age.
- take shape
- The plan began to take shape.
- out of shape
- After the holidays, I felt out of shape.
- shape the future
- Young people will shape the future.
- geometric shape
- Draw a geometric shape on the board.
- shape of things to come
- The prototype hints at the shape of things to come.
Synonyms and how they differ
- form
- Form is broader, including type or arrangement, and shape refers specifically to outline.
- outline
- Outline is only the outer edge, while shape includes the whole form.
- mold
- Mold as a verb implies pressing into a form, and shape is more general.
- influence
- Influence is more neutral, and shape suggests a lasting, forming effect.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: shape or shade?
shape vs shade
Shade is partial darkness or a variety of color, not outline.
Practice
After months of training, she was in great ___ for the race.
Choose one answer.
In good shape is the fixed phrase for good fitness. Form is possible in other phrases (in good form) but not as the same fixed phrase, and the other options do not work.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “shape”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.