- shape*/*/*/
- [ʃeɪp]
noun
I
1) [C/U] the outer form of somethingTrace the shape onto the card and cut it out.[/ex]There were balloons of all shapes and sizes in the sky.[/ex]a flowerbed in the shape of a cross[/ex]My favourite sweater was beginning to lose its shape.[/ex]2) [C] something that you cannot see well because it is far away or there is not enough lightGhostly shapes loomed out of the fog.[/ex]3) [U] the condition of somethingThe economy is in bad shape.[/ex]4) [U] the features or qualities of somethingIt's part of a plan to change the shape of local government.[/ex]•in/out of shape — in good/bad physical condition[/ex]I can't believe how out of shape I am.[/ex]I really want to get in shape before summer.[/ex]take shape — to develop into something that can be recognized[/ex]The idea began to take shape about two years ago.[/ex]IIverb [T]shape */[ʃeɪp]1) to influence the way that a person, idea, or situation developsWe have all been shaped by our past experiences.[/ex]His generation firmly believed they could shape the future.[/ex]2) to form something into a particular shapeShape the mixture into cubes.[/ex]•- shape up
Dictionary for writing and speaking English. 2014.