Shape
/ʃeɪp/
Definitions
4 meaningsThe external form or outline of an object or area.
/ʃeɪp/
The external form or outline of something.
The building's unique shape caught my eye.
💡 Simply: The way something looks from the outside. Imagine a pizza – it’s usually a circle shape!
👶 For kids: What something looks like on the outside, like a square or a circle.
More Examples
The chef carefully molded the dough into a heart shape.
The cloud took on a distinct shape, resembling a dragon.
How It's Used
"The artist experimented with different shapes in their abstract painting."
"A triangle is a geometric shape with three sides."
The physical condition or state of something, often referring to health or functionality.
/ʃeɪp/
The condition of something, especially a person's physical condition or state of health.
The team is in good shape for the upcoming game.
💡 Simply: How good or bad something is working or looking. Like, 'Is the car in good shape to drive cross country?'
👶 For kids: How good something is, like if you're in good shape after playing a lot.
More Examples
His business is in a precarious financial shape.
The old building was in a poor shape.
How It's Used
"She's in great shape after training for the marathon."
"The economy is in a fragile shape."
To give a particular form or structure to something.
/ʃeɪp/
He shaped the metal into a horseshoe.
💡 Simply: To make something look a certain way. Like, 'I'm shaping the dough into cookies.'
👶 For kids: To make something into a certain form, like making a ball of playdough round.
More Examples
The government is trying to shape public opinion.
Her experiences shaped her outlook on life.
How It's Used
"The sculptor shaped the clay into a beautiful vase."
"The experience shaped her into a more resilient person."
To develop or take a particular form or character.
/ʃeɪp/
To take a particular form or to develop.
The negotiations are shaping up to be difficult.
💡 Simply: To start to look or become a certain way. 'The party's shaping up to be really fun!'
👶 For kids: To start to be a certain way, like a cloud starting to look like a dog.
More Examples
The project is slowly shaping itself.
The future is shaping up in an uncertain way.
How It's Used
"The storm is shaping up to be a severe one."
"The deal is shaping up nicely."
Synonyms
Configuration
Contour
Figure
Form
Outline
Condition
Order
Create
Design
Fashion
Mold
Develop
Evolve
Progress
Idioms & expressions
in good shape
In good physical condition or working order.
"She's in good shape to run a marathon."
take shape
To begin to develop a definite form or character.
"The plans for the party are starting to take shape."
From Middle English *shappe*, from Old English *ġesċeap* ('form, figure, creation'), from Proto-Germanic *skapą* ('form, shape'). Related to 'scape' and 'sculpt'.
The word 'shape' has been used since Old English times to describe the form or outline of something.
Memory tip
Think of the SHAPE of a cookie cutter – it determines what the cookie will look like.