form

n.

1. Shape

   figure, appearance, plan, arrangement, design, outline, conformation, configuration, formation, structure, style, stance, construction, fashion, mode, scheme, framework, Gestalt (German), contour, profile, silhouette, skeleton, anatomy, articulation.

2. The human form

   body, frame, torso; see figure 2.

3. The approved procedure

   manner, mode, custom; see method 2.

4. Anything intended to give form

   pattern, model, die; see mold 1.

5. A standard document

   application, questionnaire, blank, data sheet, information, blank, form letter, duplicate, routine letter, pattern, chart, card, report, reference form, order form; see also copy.

6. A rite

   ritual, formality, custom; see ceremony 2.

7. Type

   make, sort, class; see class 1, kind 2.

8. Arrangement

   organization, placement, scheme; see order 3.

9. Convention

   habit, practice, usage; see custom 1, 2.

form denotes the arrangement of the parts of a thing that gives it its distinctive appearance and is the broadest term here, applying also to abstract concepts; figure is applied to physical form as determined by the bounding lines or surfaces; outline is used of the lines bounding the limits of an object and, in an extended sense, suggests a general plan without detail; shape, although also stressing outline, is usually applied to something that has mass or bulk and may refer to nonphysical concepts her story began to take shape; configuration stresses the relative disposition of parts or elements an irregular configuration of streets, the configuration of the landscape

form

v.

1. To give shape to a thing

   mold, shape, pattern, model, arrange, make, block out, block, fashion, construct, devise, plan, design, contrive, produce, invent, frame, scheme, plot, compose, erect, build, cast, cut, carve, chisel, hammer out, forge, put together, plane, whittle, assemble, conceive, create, outline, trace, develop, cultivate, work, complete, finish, consummate, perfect, fix, regulate, knock together, establish, sculpture, sculpt, pat, bend, twist, knead, set, determine, arrive at, reach, settle, articulate.

   Antonyms destroy*, demolish*, shatter. *

2. To give character to a person

   instruct, rear, breed, mold; see teach 1, 2, train 4.

3. To comprise

   constitute, make up, figure in, act as; see compose 1.

4. To take form

   accumulate, condense, harden, set, settle, rise, appear, take shape, grow, develop, unfold, mature, materialize, eventuate, become a reality, take on character, crystallize, assume definite characteristics, become visible, be finalized, fall into place, shape up*, get into shape*.

   Antonyms disappear*, dissolve*, waste away. See syn. study at make.make.