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shape - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'shape' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Shape [ n.]
- To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to.
- To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct; as, to shape the course of a vessel.
- To image; to conceive; to body forth.
- To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.
- Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape.
- That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being.
- A model; a pattern; a mold.
- Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality.
- Dress for disguise; guise.
- A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar.
- A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted.
2 . Shape [ v. i.]
- To suit; to be adjusted or conformable.

Meaning of 'shape' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . shape [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept
Example in sentence:
  • a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life
Meaning (2):
- a perceptual structure
Example in sentence:
  • a visual pattern must include not only objects but the spaces between them;
  • the composition presents problems for students of musical form
Meaning (3):
- the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
Example in sentence:
  • geometry is the mathematical science of shape
Meaning (4):
- any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
Example in sentence:
  • he could barely make out their shapes
Meaning (5):
- alternative names for the body of a human being
Example in sentence:
  • he has a strong physique;
  • Leonardo studied the human body;
  • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Meaning (6):
- the visual appearance of something or someone
Example in sentence:
  • the delicate cast of his features
7 . shape [ v]
Meaning (7):
- shape or influence; give direction to
Example in sentence:
  • experience often determines ability;
  • mold public opinion
Meaning (8):
- make something, usually for a specific function
Example in sentence:
  • Form cylinders from the dough;
  • shape a figure;
  • She molded the rice balls carefully;
  • Work the metal into a sword
Meaning (9):
- give shape or form to
Example in sentence:
  • form the young child's character;
  • shape the dough

Nearby Words:

shab shabbed shabbily shabbiness shabbing shabble shabby shabrack shack shackatory

See 'shape' also in:

Dictionary.com Google Translator Wikipedia.com Merriam Webster

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