Shape I Good ʃeɪp Change Things Physical Make

• 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.

shape

1. 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.
• 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.
• The pool was in the shape of a heart.
• The government provides money in the shape of (= consisting of) grants and student loans.

Extra Examples

• Squares, circles and triangles are types of shape.
• First draw the rough shape of your chosen animal.
• Fold the paper to make the shape of a cone.
• I recognized the distinctive shape of a 747.
• Ordinary things assumed different shapes in the mist.
• She drew inspiration from organic shapes in the surrounding landscape.
• The road forms an L shape.
• Opt for a hairstyle to suit your face shape.
• You can't change your natural body shape.
• The bruise was a sort of mushroom shape.
• The desk was an awkward shape and wouldn't fit through the door.
2. a person or thing that is difficult to see clearly
• SYNONYM figure
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/figure_2
• 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. the physical condition of somebody/something
• What sort of shape was the car in after the accident?
• He's in good shape for a man of his age.
• 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.

Extra Examples

• After the night before, he was in rough shape.
• He's 64, but he's in better physical shape than I am.
• She likes to stay in shape.
• The economy is still in pretty good shape.
• The company is in good financial shape.
4. 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.
5. to become angry, anxious or upset
• Don't get bent out of shape about it. It was just a mistake!
6. to take exercise, eat healthy food, etc. in order to become physically fit
• I’m trying to get into shape before summer.
• I need to get back into shape after the Christmas holiday.
7. to train somebody so that they do a particular job, task, etc. well
• It took him just two weeks to knock the new recruits into shape.
• Leave the boy with me—I'll soon knock him into shape!
8. to make something more acceptable, organized or successful
• I've got all the information together but it still needs knocking into shape.
• It shouldn’t take long to get the company back into shape.
9. to express or explain a particular idea, plan, etc.
• Marie tried to find the right words to give shape to the confusion in her head.
10. of any type
• I don't approve of violence in any shape or form.
• I can't stand insects in any shape or form.
• I do not condone bullying in any way, shape or form.
11. (to get/stay) in good physical condition
• You don't have to spend a fortune on gym membership to get in shape.
• I like to stay in shape.
12. not having the normal shape
• The wheel had been twisted out of shape.
• The bicycle had been battered out of shape.
13. not in good physical condition
• I didn’t realize how out of shape I was!
14. the way things are likely to develop in the future
• Are solar-powered cars the shape of things to come?
• This new system could be the shape of things to come.
15. to develop and become more complete or organized
• The garden is beginning to take shape.
• A new song began to take shape in her mind.
16. to dance
• She spent the whole evening throwing shapes on the dance floor.
17. to behave in a way that makes you seem to threaten somebody, especially by standing as though you are ready to fight, without actually becoming violent
• I was worried he might get violent but he was just throwing shapes.
• The two main investors threw some shapes during the debate.

Word Origin

• Old English gesceap ‘external form’, also ‘creation’, sceppan ‘create’, of Germanic origin.