shape Meaning & Definition
What Does Shape Mean?
Shape is used as a verb meaning form, create. It can also mean to give a particular form or shape to. As a noun, it means the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item.
Word Facts for Shape
| Part of speech | verb, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈshāp/ |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | cast, soma and influence |
| Antonyms | disorder, disrepair and composition |
| Plural | shapes |
| Verb forms | shapes, shaping, shaped |
Shape Definition (Verb)
- form, create
- to give a particular form or shape to
- ordain, decree
- to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely
a dress shaped to her figure
- devise, plan
shape a policy
- to embody in definite form
shaping a folktale into an epic
- to make fit for (a particular use, purpose, etc.) : adapt
shape the questions to fit the answers
- to determine or direct the course or character of
events that shaped history
- to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response
- to come to pass : happen
… it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands …
- to take on or approach a mature or definite form
Shape as a Noun
- the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item
a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree
- spatial form or contour
the clouds kept changing shape
- a standard or universally recognized spatial form
a stain in the shape of a perfect circle
- the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face : figure
- phantom, apparition
eerie shapes floating in the mist
- assumed appearance : guise
a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin
- form of embodiment see also take shape
The plan is starting to come into shape.
- a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
- a molded dessert
- blancmange
- the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time
the car was in fine shape
Synonyms of Shape
Antonyms of Shape
Shape in a Sentence
The used bookshop wouldn’t offer much due to the poor shape of the book.
The vet checked to see what kind of shape the animal was in.
We exercise to keep in good physical shape.
What shape shall we use for the cookies? Stars, circles, or diamonds?
Your head is a funny shape, rather oblong.
Earth was shapen by God for God's folk.
Shape the dough into a pretzel. For my art project, I plan to shape my clay lump into a bowl.
The used bookshop wouldn't offer much due to the poor shape of the book.
He cut a square shape out of the cake.
a dress shaped to her figure
shape a policy
shaping a folktale into an epic
shape the questions to fit the answers
events that shaped history
… it's shaping up that I am known now for my husbands …
a cake in the shape of a Christmas tree
the clouds kept changing shape
a stain in the shape of a perfect circle
eerie shapes floating in the mist
a trick-or-treater in the shape of a pumpkin
The plan is starting to come into shape.
the car was in fine shape
she was in good shape after having worked outdoors all summer long
that part of the state is known as the panhandle because of its shape
some specialty clothing stores sell clothing that suits people that have a particular shape
a dress shaped to the customer's particular figure
over the winter the committee shaped the company's new marketing strategy
this group of summer interns is shaping up to be one of the best we've ever hired
Word Forms & Grammar
shaped
shap·ing
shap·er noun
shape
shaper
shapers
shapes
shaping
shaped adjective
shape (up)
shape up
shape (countable and uncountable, plural shapes)
shape (third-person singular simple present shapes, present participle shaping, simple past shaped or (obsolete) shope, past participle shaped or (obsolete) shope or (archaic) shapen)
Words That Rhyme With Shape
Origin of Shape
Origin 1: Middle English, from Old English sceapen, gescapen, past participle of scieppan; akin to Old High German skepfen to shape
Origin 2: From Middle English schap, schape, from Old English ġesceap (“shape, form, created being, creature, creation, dispensation, fate, condition, sex, gender, genitalia”), from Proto-West Germanic *ga- + *skap, from Proto-Germanic *ga- + *skapą (“shape, nature, condition”), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kep- (“to split, cut”).
Origin 3: The verb is from Middle English shapen, schapen, from Old English scieppan (“to shape, form, make, create, assign, arrange, destine, order, adjudge”), from Proto-West Germanic *skappjan, from Proto-Germanic *skapjaną (“to create”), from the noun.
Origin 4: The noun is cognate with Middle Dutch schap (“form”), Middle High German geschaf (“creature”), Icelandic skap (“state, condition, temper, mood”). The verb is cognate with Dutch scheppen, German schaffen, Swedish skapa (“create, make”), Norwegian Bokmål skape (“create”). Doublet of -ship.
First Known Use
before 12th centuryt
before 12th century
Pronouncing Shape
You say shape as /ˈshāp/. It has 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Shape
Is shape a verb or a noun?
Shape is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as a noun.
What is another word for shape?
You can replace shape with words such as cast, soma and influence. See the full list of shape synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of shape?
Antonyms of shape include disorder, disrepair, composition and material.
What is the plural of shape?
The plural of shape is shapes.
What is the past tense of shape?
The past tense of shape is shaped. The present participle is shaping.
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