Form
/fɔːrm/
Definitions
5 meaningsThe visible shape or configuration of something; the external structure or appearance of something.
/fɔːrm/
The visible shape or configuration of something.
The artist was captivated by the beautiful form of the rose.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a cookie. The 'form' is the shape of your cookie cutter! It's how something looks.
👶 For kids: The way something looks, like a circle or a square!
More Examples
The building's unique form attracted many tourists.
The dance emphasized graceful forms.
How It's Used
"The sculptor focused on the form of the statue."
"The cloud took the form of a dragon."
A particular type or kind of something.
/fɔːrm/
A particular type or kind.
The application form needs to be completed.
💡 Simply: Think of different flavors of ice cream - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry. Those are different 'forms'.
👶 For kids: A kind of something, like different kinds of animals!
More Examples
This is a new form of communication.
What form of art is your favorite?
How It's Used
"Different life forms exist on Earth."
"Please fill out this form."
A printed or written document with spaces for the insertion of information.
/fɔːrm/
A printed or written document with spaces for information.
I need to fill out a form to register for the class.
💡 Simply: When you want to apply for something or give information, you often need to fill out a 'form', which is a paper or online document.
👶 For kids: A paper where you write your name and other things!
More Examples
Please provide your details on the form.
The form must be submitted by the end of the week.
How It's Used
"Please fill out the form and submit it."
"The application form is available online."
To bring something into existence; to create or make something.
/fɔːrm/
To create something.
The students formed a study group.
💡 Simply: Like building with blocks, to 'form' something is to put it together or create it. You might form a team or form an opinion.
👶 For kids: To make something, like making a sandcastle!
More Examples
The rain formed puddles on the street.
A committee was formed to address the issue.
How It's Used
"The group formed a circle for the discussion."
"The company formed a new partnership."
To shape or mold something into a particular shape or structure.
/fɔːrm/
To shape or mold.
The sculptor formed the clay with great care.
💡 Simply: Like a sculptor who shapes clay, to 'form' something is to give it a shape.
👶 For kids: To make something into a special shape, like making a ball out of playdough!
More Examples
The dentist formed a perfect impression of the patient's teeth.
The wind and water formed the sandstone into remarkable shapes.
How It's Used
"The potter formed the clay into a vase."
"They formed the concrete into the desired shape."
Synonyms
Appearance
Configuration
Figure
Category
Application
Document
Constitute
Create
Develop
Establish
Construct
Fashion
Idioms & expressions
in good form
In a state of good health, or with a good performance.
"The athlete was in good form before the competition."
out of form
Not performing or feeling at one's best, often due to lack of practice or illness.
"The player was out of form after the injury."
take form
To begin to appear or become clear, to begin to exist in a recognizable form.
"The ideas for the project began to take form during the meeting."
From Old French *forme* (12th c.), from Latin *forma* 'shape, figure, appearance'.
The word 'form' has been used since the 12th century, initially to describe shape and appearance and evolved to include other related meanings.