shape
shape
/ʃeɪp/
1 countable, uncountable the form of the outer edges or surfaces of something; an example of something that has a particular form a rectangular/spherical/cylindrical shape
geometric shapes
fantastic creatures that can change shape and be either visible or invisible
You can recognize the fish by the shape of their fins.
They have completely different body shapes.
This old T-shirt has completely lost its shape.
in shape The island was originally circular in shape.
Several rooms are irregular in shape.
Candles come in all shapes and sizes.
Glass is blown or moulded into many shapes.
in the shape of something The pool was in the shape of a heart.
(figurative) The government provides money in the shape of (= consisting of) grants and student loans.
Collocations
adjective
verb + shape
shape + verb
preposition
shape forin the shape of
phrases
all shapes and sizes
circular, hexagonal, oblong, rectangular, etc. in shape
2 countable a person or thing that is difficult to see clearly Ghostly shapes moved around in the dark.
I could just make out a dark shape in the distance.
An enormous shape loomed up out of the mist directly in front of me.
3 uncountable the physical condition of somebody/something in … shape What sort of shape was the car in after the accident?
He's in good shape for someone who had surgery six months ago.
The ship was in bad shape as a result of damage sustained in the collision.
He’s not in any shape (= not well enough) to be working.
Collocations
adjective
preposition
shape for
phrases
get somebody/something into shape
knock somebody/something into shape
lick somebody/something into shape…
4 uncountable the particular qualities or characteristics of something Will new technology change the shape of broadcasting?
Prices vary according to the size and shape of each project.
He did much to determine the shape of Asia's political map.
Collocations Dictionary
adjective
generaloverallchanging…
verb + shape
alterchangedetermine…
phrases
the shape of things to comein any shape or form
Idioms
shape
/ʃeɪp/
1 transitive to make something into a particular shape shape A into B Shape the dough into a ball.
The man was busy shaping mud into bricks.
shape something This tool is used for shaping wood.
They use traditional methods to shape the stone.
tools for cutting and shaping metal
2 transitive shape somebody/something to have an important influence on the way that somebody/something develops You are helping to shape the future of this country.
She had a leading role in shaping party policy.
the historical circumstances that shaped their lives.
His ideas had been shaped by his experiences during the war.
Collocations
adverb
decisivelyfundamentallypowerfully…
verb + shape
help (to)continue to
preposition
ininto
phrases
be a factor in shaping somethingbe a force in shaping somethingbe important in shaping something
3 intransitive shape to do something to prepare to do something, especially hit or kick something She was shaping to hit her second shot.
Idioms
Phrasal Verbs
Word Origin
Old English gesceap ‘external form’, also ‘creation’, sceppan ‘create’, of Germanic origin.
形作る
何かを発展させるための基盤を作る