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shape Definition

shape (s̸hāp)

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. ☆
    1. condition; state, esp. of health a patient in poor shape
    2. good physical condition exercises that keep one in shape

Etymology: ME schap < OE (ge)sceap, form, created thing, akin to scieppan, to create, form < IE *skeb-, var. of base *(s)kep-, to cut with a sharp tool > shaft, shave

transitive verb shaped, shap′·ing

  1. to give definite shape to; make, as by cutting or molding material
  2. to arrange, fashion, express, or devise (a plan, answer, etc.) in definite form
  3. to adapt or adjust to shape one's plans to one's abilities
  4. to direct or conduct (one's life, the course of events, etc.)
  5. Obsolete to appoint or decree

intransitive verb

  1. Obsolete to become suited; conform
  2. Rare to happen
  3. Informal to take shape or form: often with into or up

shape Related Forms

shap′er noun

shape Idioms

out of shape

Informal
  1. not in good physical condition
  2. damaged, bent, etc. so as not to have its usual form

shape up

☆ Informal
  1. to develop to a definite form, condition, etc.
  2. to develop satisfactorily or favorably
  3. to do what is expected of one; behave as required

take shape

to begin to have definite form, condition, etc.

SHAPE Definition

SHAPE (s̸hāp)

Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe

shape Synonyms

shape

v.

  1. To give shape

    mold, cast, fashion; see form 1.

  2. To take shape

    become, develop, take form; see form 4, grow 2. See syn. study at make.

shape Usage Examples

Object

  • pear: Yellow Pear Produces sweet and juicy, yellow pear shaped fruits.
  • future: Your views could shape the future, for good or ill.
  • project/programme: How are young people involved in shaping the project/programme?

Converse of object

  • assume: While the half of him above the water assumed the shape of a goat, the lower half became a fish.
  • take: The picture on the right shows the shape taken by a growing ice crystal.
  • determine: It will determine the shape of the extra capacity which the health service needs to provide.
  • curve: Use the Imation red logo in the curved shape.

Adjective modifier

  • geometric: Coventry's post-war rebuilding had led to a ' concrete jungle ' of geometric shapes, which found their way into his work.
  • rectangular: The yellow area was covered simply by using a rectangular shape rather than with a fiddly polygon.
  • oval: The main feature of the visionary design is the oval shape of the covered Forum.
  • irregular: The end wall of the house follows an old property boundary which means that the parlor is an irregular shape.
  • triangular: It shows the typical triangular shape flaring out from the lateral tip of the lateral ventricle.
  • distinctive: Phil was attracted to this subject by the distinctive shape of the castle.

Modifies a noun

tweening: To be able to create shape tweening, you have to place the shapes on the same layer.

Noun used with modifier

  • leaf: The tropical look can be easily obtained when you choose plants with bold leaf shapes.
  • hull: Use your body and the hull shape to steer the boat.
  • diamond: Pressing a mouse button in the desired square will cause a diamond shape to be displayed.
  • pear: The DM playing all nice with his ' its all gone pear shape ' banner again.
  • V: Usually they fly in short " V " shaped formations with other V shapes tucked into the slipstream.

Preposition: of

curve: Describe how the shapes of these curves are altered by changing the values of the parameters.