WordGarden.ioshape
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈeɪp/
US
- /ˈʃeɪp/
Meanings
Noun
the external form or outline of something
a person's physical condition or fitness
the condition or state of something in general
Verb
to give form to something or influence how it develops
Beyond the definition
We often talk about the shape of things: a circle, a square, a leaf, or a cloud. It means the outer form of something, the way it looks from the outside. But shape is not only about what you can see. Life events can shape a person, meaning they help form who that person becomes. Think of clay: a potter uses their hands to shape it, turning a lump into something useful.
The word can be a noun (the shape of a stone) or a verb (exercise shapes your body). A plan taking shape is starting to become clear. If something is "in good shape," it is in good condition or, for a person, physically fit. So shape can describe form, change, and influence.
The word "shape" most often refers to the outer form of something. It can describe simple forms like a circle, square, or triangle, or more natural forms like the shape of a tree, a face, a cloud, or a coastline. In this sense, it tells us how something looks as a whole. For example: "The table was round in shape," or "The building had a strange shape."
As a verb, "shape" means to form, mold, or influence something. You can shape clay with your hands, shape a piece of wood with tools, or shape an idea as you work on it. It is also often used in a figurative way. Experiences can shape a person's character, parents and teachers can shape habits, and laws or events can shape society.
The word is also common in everyday expressions. If a plan is "taking shape," it is slowly becoming clear. If something is "in good shape," it is in good condition, ready to use, or physically fit if you are talking about a person. In writing, graphs, and design, words like "U-shaped," "L-shaped," or "star-shaped" describe the form of something very directly.
Because of this range, "shape" can talk about both what something is like now and how it becomes that way. It can point to visible form, physical condition, growth, or influence. Whether you are describing the outline of an object, the condition of a machine, or the way life changes a person, shape is a word about form and the forces that create it.
Examples
- 1
Food shapes
Cut the dough into small star shapes.
- 2
Product design
The designer changed the shape of the bottle so it would be easier to hold.
- 3
Clay work
She shaped the clay into a bowl.
- 4
Life influence
Her childhood experiences shaped the way she sees the world.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Data policy
The new policy could shape how companies use personal data.
- 6
Fitness
I need to get back in shape before the summer.
- Phrasein shape
healthy and fit
- 7
Lost fitness
After months away from training, I was really out of shape.
- Phraseout of shape
not as fit as usual
- 8
Planning
By the end of the meeting, a clear plan was starting to take shape.
- Phrasetake shape
become clearer and more organized
- 9
Business condition
The company is still in good shape despite the drop in sales.
- Phrasein good shape
in good condition
- 10
Performance warning
If he doesn't shape up soon, he'll lose the job.
- Phraseshape up
improve your behavior or performance
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- shapenounverb
Forms
- shapedpast tenseverbnoun
- shapespluralnounverb
- shaping-ing formverbnoun