shape
word
/ˈʃeɪp/
shayp
/ʃˈeɪp/
shayp
Definition
The form or outline of something, such as whether it is round, square, or thin. As a verb, it also means to form something or strongly influence how it develops.
Usage & Nuances
Very common as both a noun and a verb. Common patterns: 'the shape of the table', 'in good/bad shape' (condition), and 'shape public opinion' (influence). Don't confuse physical 'shape' with 'form' in formal writing; 'shape' often sounds more everyday and visual.
Spanish: forma - dar forma aPortuguese (BR): forma - moldarPortuguese (PT): forma - moldarChinese (Simplified): 形状 - 塑造Chinese (Traditional): 形狀 - 塑造Hindi: आकार - आकार देनाArabic: شكل - يُشكّلBengali: আকৃতি - অবস্থা (condition) - গঠন (verb)Russian: форма - состояние (о человеке/вещи) - формировать (verb)Japanese: 形 - 状態（コンディション） - 形作る（動詞）Vietnamese: hình dạng - tình trạng (sức khoẻ, vật) - định hình (động từ)Korean: 모양 - 상태(컨디션) - 형성하다(동사)Turkish: şekil - durum (kondisyon) - şekillendirmek (fiil)Urdu: شکل - حالت (کسی چیز کی فِٹنس) - تشکیل دینا (فعل)Indonesian: bentuk - kondisi (keadaan) - membentuk (kata kerja)
Example Sentences
What shape is the table?
basic
The cookies are in the shape of stars.
basic
Exercise helps you stay in good shape.
basic
Her childhood experiences shaped the way she sees the world.
natural
We need to shape this idea into a real plan.
natural
After the move, it took us a while to get the house into shape.
natural