shape
shape — verb
1. to play a strong part in deciding how something abstract develops — for example,
to play a strong part in deciding how something abstract develops — for example, how a person's character grows, what a country's policies become, or which beliefs a group ends up holding.
Caleb says his grandmother's stories about the war shaped his views on peace.
shape + noun (views / beliefs)
The two years Kemi spent teaching in rural Kenya shaped her sense of purpose.
subject is a formative experience or period
Public anger over the new tax has shaped the debate in parliament this month.
shape + the debate / discussion
Diego believes a strict piano teacher in his childhood shaped the musician he is today.
shape + the [person] he/she is today
Climate concerns are shaping the way younger voters in Taiwan think about politics.
shape + the way [someone] [verbs]
- shape someone's views
- shape the future
- shape public opinion
- shape the debate
- shape someone's character
- be shaped by
Grammar Patterns
shape + noun (belief / opinion / future / character)
Usage Note
Subject is usually an experience, event, force, or person with influence; object is usually abstract — a belief, opinion, future, debate, character, or career. Often appears in the perfect tense ('has shaped', 'have been shaped by') when reflecting on causes after the fact.
Common Mistakes
2. to push, press, or cut a flexible material so that it ends up with a particular
to push, press, or cut a flexible material so that it ends up with a particular outline — for example, bending a wire ring around a finger or pressing a hat brim until it curves the right way.
Yan shaped the warm copper wire into a small ring for his sister.
shape + material + into + result object
The hatmaker carefully shaped the felt brim around a wooden block.
shape + flexible material + around + mould
Ilan shaped his beard into a neat point before the wedding photos.
shape + body part / hair + into + outline
The new running shoes are shaped to fit the curve of your foot.
passive: be shaped to fit + body part
Élise shaped the soft leather collar to sit flat against her dog's neck.
shape + material + to + verb (purpose)
- shape into
- shape around
- shape to fit
Grammar Patterns
shape + noun + into + noun
shape + noun + to fit + noun
Usage Note
Object is usually a flexible material that already exists (wire, felt, leather, hair). Distinguish from sense 3, where 'shape' creates a new object out of raw substance — sense 2 only adjusts the outline of something already there.
Common Mistakes
3. to take a soft or workable substance such as clay, dough, or stone and turn it i
to take a soft or workable substance such as clay, dough, or stone and turn it into a finished object by hand or with simple tools — for example, making a bowl out of wet clay or a small statue from a block of wood.
Kian shaped a small clay bowl on the wheel during his pottery class.
shape + finished object (from raw material context)
Saira shaped the bread dough into round loaves and left them to rise.
shape + raw material + into + result objects
The carver shaped a small horse from a single block of cherry wood.
shape + result + from + raw material
Children at the museum shaped tiny pots out of grey river clay.
shape + result + out of + substance
Sirin shaped the snow into a fat snowman with a long carrot nose.
shape + substance + into + finished object
- shape into
- shape from
- shape out of
- shape by hand
Grammar Patterns
shape + noun (the object made)
shape + noun + from / out of + raw material
Usage Note
Object is the finished thing being made (a bowl, a loaf, a statue), and the raw substance is named with 'from' or 'out of'. Compare with sense 2: in sense 3 the substance is essentially formless (clay, dough, snow) until shaping creates a new object; in sense 2 the material already has a form and only its outline is adjusted.
Common Mistakes
shape up
phrasal verbto start behaving or performing better, especially after a warning that things are not good enough; also used about a plan or situation that is gradually turning out well.
Joshua's coach told him to shape up or lose his place on the team.
The festival programme is really shaping up — three new bands signed last week.
shape up to be
phrasal verbto look likely to become a particular kind of thing, based on early signs.
This is shaping up to be the wettest summer Taipei has seen in twenty years.
The new café in Kabir's neighbourhood is shaping up to be his favourite weekend spot.
shape — noun
1. what something looks like in terms of its outline — for example, whether it is r
what something looks like in terms of its outline — for example, whether it is round, square, long, or curved.
Christopher drew a cloud in the shape of a rabbit on the window.
in the shape of [noun]
The cookies came out of the oven in funny twisted shapes.
Bao noticed that every leaf on the maple tree had a slightly different shape.
The vase had an elegant shape, narrow at the bottom and wide at the top.
shape + descriptive adjective
- unusual shape
- irregular shape
- the shape of a heart
- in the shape of
- form
more abstract; can refer to internal structure too
- appearance
broader — covers colour and texture as well as outline
- outline
focuses only on the outer edge or silhouette
Grammar Patterns
the shape of [noun]
Usage Note
Subject is usually a physical object whose outline can be described. Distinguish from sense 2, which names a specific geometric figure (circle, square) rather than the appearance of one particular thing.
Common Mistakes
2. a flat or solid figure such as a circle, square, triangle, or cube, defined by t
a flat or solid figure such as a circle, square, triangle, or cube, defined by the lines or edges that surround it.
Shirin's two-year-old daughter is learning to name basic shapes like circles and triangles.
On the worksheet, students had to match each shape with its correct name.
Mateus traced the hexagon shapes on the bathroom floor tiles with his finger.
shape + concrete noun (tile, panel)
Eshe cut the paper into different shapes for the art project.
- geometric shape
- two-dimensional shape
- three-dimensional shape
- draw a shape
- cut out shapes
Usage Note
Always countable in this sense — you say 'a shape' or 'shapes'. Typically refers to named geometric figures, often introduced to children or in maths class.
3. the outline of a person's body, especially how slim, curved, or muscular it look
the outline of a person's body, especially how slim, curved, or muscular it looks.
Caio's swimming routine has really changed the shape of his shoulders.
the shape of [body part]
The dress was tailored to fit Diya's shape perfectly.
possessive + shape (body outline)
After six months at the gym, Gabriel was happy with his new shape.
The coat hides her shape under thick layers of wool.
- a slim shape
- an athletic shape
- change shape
- fit her shape
Usage Note
Refers to body outline rather than the face. Often appears with possessives ('her shape', 'his shape'). Distinguish from sense 6/7, which talk about physical fitness rather than visual outline.
4. someone or something visible only as a vague outline because the light is dim or
someone or something visible only as a vague outline because the light is dim or the distance is too great — for example, a figure moving in fog.
Through the morning mist, Rin saw a tall shape walking towards the lighthouse.
Astrid noticed dark shapes circling high above the cliffs — probably eagles.
A small shape moved behind the curtain, and the children held their breath.
From the boat, the island was just a grey shape on the horizon.
shape + on/in [vague location]
- a dark shape
- a shadowy shape
- shapes in the distance
- shapes in the mist
- figure
interchangeable here; slightly more often used for human outlines
- silhouette
specifically a dark outline against a bright background
- form
literary; suggests an even less defined outline
Usage Note
Often appears with adjectives like 'dark', 'shadowy', 'vague', or 'tall' that hint at what the speaker can or cannot see. The speaker's inability to see clearly is the key feature.
5. the way that something is arranged, run, or set up — its overall character rathe
the way that something is arranged, run, or set up — its overall character rather than its outline.
Asher worried about the shape of the new economy after the factory closed.
the shape of + abstract noun
The minister promised to announce the shape of next year's school reforms on Friday.
the shape of + plan / policy
Two months in Kyoto changed the shape of Salma's daily routine.
Nobody at the meeting could agree on the shape of the company's future.
Owen sketched out the rough shape of the wedding ceremony for his parents.
rough / general shape of + event
- the shape of things to come
- the overall shape of
- take shape
Grammar Patterns
the shape of + noun
Usage Note
Object is almost always abstract (a plan, policy, deal, economy, debate, agreement). Distinguish from noun/1 and noun/3, which describe physical form.
Common Mistakes
6. how fit, healthy, or well-functioning a person or thing is right now — usually q
how fit, healthy, or well-functioning a person or thing is right now — usually qualified by a word like 'good', 'bad', 'poor', or 'terrible'.
After the marathon, Tara was in surprisingly good shape and went straight to dinner.
in + good / bad + shape
The old wooden bridge by the lake is in poor shape and unsafe.
applied to objects, not just people
Élise's grandmother is in remarkable shape for someone aged eighty-seven.
The accountant warned that the company's finances were in terrible shape.
extends to abstract things like finances or morale
Jiwoo woke up in bad shape after only three hours of sleep.
- in good shape
- in bad shape
- in poor shape
- in terrible shape
Grammar Patterns
in + adjective + shape
in shape
out of shape
Usage Note
Almost always preceded by 'in' plus an adjective (good, bad, poor, terrible, great). Distinguish from noun/7, which means specifically GOOD condition without needing an adjective.
Common Mistakes
7. good physical fitness, especially the level you reach by exercising regularly; t
good physical fitness, especially the level you reach by exercising regularly; the opposite is 'out of shape'.
Lucía cycles to the bakery every morning to stay in shape.
stay / keep in shape (no adjective)
Two months on the sofa left Christopher badly out of shape.
out of shape — opposite
The coach told Kian he had six weeks to get in shape before tryouts.
get in shape — reach fitness
Zuri runs three times a week and is in much better shape than her brother.
Climbing stairs in Lisbon is a cheap way to get back in shape after winter.
- get in shape
- stay in shape
- keep in shape
- back in shape
- out of shape
- out of shape
direct opposite phrase
Grammar Patterns
in shape
out of shape
get / stay / keep in shape
Usage Note
Used without an adjective, 'in shape' on its own already means fit; 'out of shape' means unfit. Distinguish from noun/6, where 'shape' is neutral and needs an adjective like 'bad' or 'good' to give it meaning.
Common Mistakes
8. used in the fixed phrase 'all shapes and sizes' to mean a wide variety of types,
used in the fixed phrase 'all shapes and sizes' to mean a wide variety of types, kinds, or examples of something.
The shelter takes in dogs of all shapes and sizes, from tiny puppies to old greyhounds.
fixed phrase: of all shapes and sizes
Reuben's pottery class attracts students of all shapes and sizes.
Kindness comes in all shapes and sizes — even a small smile counts.
The market sold tomatoes in all shapes and sizes, some no bigger than a coin.
- of all shapes and sizes
- in all shapes and sizes
- come in all shapes and sizes
Grammar Patterns
[noun] of all shapes and sizes
in all shapes and sizes
Usage Note
Almost always appears in the fixed phrase 'of all shapes and sizes' or 'in all shapes and sizes'. Outside this phrase, the 'many types' meaning is rare and sounds unnatural.
Common Mistakes
9. used in the emphatic phrase 'in any shape or form' to stress that something is n
used in the emphatic phrase 'in any shape or form' to stress that something is not allowed or not present in any version at all.
Élise refuses to accept gifts from suppliers in any shape or form.
emphatic 'in any shape or form'
The school does not tolerate bullying in any shape or form.
Tamás said he would not support the proposal in any way, shape, or form.
extended phrase 'in any way, shape, or form'
The contract bans gambling in any shape or form on company premises.
- in any shape or form
- in any way, shape, or form
- not... in any shape or form
Grammar Patterns
in any shape or form
in any way, shape, or form
Usage Note
Almost exclusively in the negative emphatic phrase 'in any shape or form'. Outside this phrase, this 'any type' meaning is not used. Common in formal statements, codes of conduct, and refusals.
to become annoyed, worried, or upset over something, especially when others think the reaction is too strong.
Don't get bent out of shape over a typo — Bao will just fix it tomorrow.
Astrid got really bent out of shape when her brother borrowed her bike without asking.
to start exercising and eating well so that your body becomes fit and healthy again.
Caio joined a running club to get himself into shape before the wedding.
After the long winter, Diya was determined to get into shape by spring.
to train a person or group through strict practice so that they perform a job or task well.
The new sergeant had only six weeks to knock the recruits into shape.
Coach Reuben quickly licked the junior team into shape before the tournament.
to fix or organise something messy or incomplete so that it becomes acceptable or works well.
The draft report has good ideas, but Élise still needs to knock it into shape before Friday.
It took the new manager a year to lick the failing branch into shape.
to put a feeling, idea, or plan into clearer words or a clearer form.
Rin used poetry to give shape to her feelings about her grandmother's death.
The architect's drawings finally gave shape to the family's vague ideas about a garden.
in any shape or form
idiomin any version or example whatsoever — used to strengthen a refusal or denial.
Tamás does not approve of cheating in any shape or form.
The clinic refuses to accept payment from drug companies in any shape or form.
to be, become, or remain physically fit through regular exercise.
Gabriel cycles to work every day to stay in shape.
You don't need an expensive gym to keep in shape — walking briskly works too.
out of shape
idiomeither physically unfit, or twisted away from a normal, expected form.
Christopher was so out of shape that one flight of stairs left him panting.
The metal frame was bent badly out of shape after the truck reversed into it.
an early sign or example of how things will probably develop in the future.
Solar-powered villages in Kenya may be the shape of things to come for rural energy.
The new flexible work policy might be the shape of things to come across the industry.
take shape
idiomto gradually become more developed, organised, or clear.
After three weekends of work, the new flower garden finally began to take shape.
A plan for the school festival started to take shape during the lunchtime meeting.
throw shapes
idiomto dance in a lively or showy way; sometimes also to behave in an aggressive, posturing manner.
Shirin spent the whole wedding throwing shapes on the dance floor.
The two fans were throwing shapes outside the stadium, but security stepped in quickly.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
These words all describe what something looks like along its edges, but each focuses on a different angle. 'Shape' is the everyday word — the round, square, or curved look of an object that any speaker, even a child, would notice. 'Form' is more abstract and slightly more formal; it can include internal structure as well as outline, so we say 'the human form' rather than 'the human shape'. 'Figure' usually means a human body's shape, especially a slim or curved one ('keep your figure'), or a defined geometric shape in maths. 'Contour' is the gentle curve of an edge, used for landscapes ('the contours of the coast') and bodies. 'Outline' is the line you would draw around the edge — the silhouette only, with nothing inside. 'Mould' (noun) is the hollow tool that gives something its shape, not the shape itself.
Common collocations
Nouns
- shape and size
- shape of things
- body shape
- shape of the future
Phrases
- take shape
- shape up
- in any shape or form
- all shapes and sizes
- the shape of things to come
- knock into shape
- get in shape
- bent out of shape
Prepositions
- in the shape of
- out of shape
- in shape
- into shape
Etymology
From Old English 'sceap' or 'gesceap', meaning a created thing, form, or appearance, related to the verb 'scieppan' meaning to create or form. The word passed into Middle English as 'schap' or 'shap' and gradually narrowed from the broad sense of 'a created thing' to today's main meaning of an object's outline or figure. The fitness sense ('in shape', 'out of shape') is much later, becoming common in American English in the early twentieth century.