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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Shape Meaning, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：outer form (shape)

shape 🔊

/ʃeɪp/

The outer form or outline of an object; how something looks because of its edges and surfaces.

outer form 🔊

➕

/ˈaʊtər fɔːrm/

The visible outline or external contour of an object; how something looks due to its boundaries and surfaces.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'gesceap', from Proto-Germanic '*skapjaną' (to create, form).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a cookie cutter: pressing it into dough gives the dough a specific 'shape' — the tool shapes the form.

📖 Example

The child used colorful play-dough to create animals of every shape you can imagine. 🔊 The child used colorful play-dough to create animals of every shape you can imagine.

🔗 Collocations

in the shape of – Having the form or appearance of something

take shape – To develop or become clearly defined in form

shape up – To improve one's form or performance

🔄 Synonyms

form (n.) – The visible shape or configuration of something

outline (n.) – The line or contour that defines the shape of an object

figure (n.) – The external form, outline, or shape of a person or thing

🚫 Antonyms

shapelessness (n.) – The state of lacking a definite shape or form

amorphousness (n.) – The quality of being without a clear shape or form

🌱 Derivatives

shapely (adj.) – Having an attractive or well-proportioned shape

shapeless (adj.) – Lacking a definite or attractive shape

reshape (v.) – To give a new shape or form to something

📖 Cultural Story

Shape derives from the ancient concept of 'creation' or 'making' in Germanic languages. In modern English, it is widely used in both concrete (physical form) and abstract (state/condition) senses, often in business and fitness contexts.

Meaning 2：physical condition (shape)

shape 🔊

/ʃeɪp/

The physical condition or overall state of someone or something; how well it is functioning or developing.

physical condition 🔊

➕

/ˈfɪzɪkəl kənˈdɪʃən/

The state of being physically fit or healthy; the overall condition of one's body.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

After three months of regular exercise and healthy eating, my physical shape has improved dramatically. 🔊 After three months of regular exercise and healthy eating, my physical shape has improved dramatically.

🔗 Collocations

in good shape – In a healthy or physically fit condition

out of shape – Not physically fit; in poor condition

get into shape – To improve one's physical fitness through exercise

🔄 Synonyms

condition (n.) – The state of being physically fit or healthy

fitness (n.) – The ability to perform physical activities; being in good shape

form (n.) – The state of being in good condition (especially in sports)

🚫 Antonyms

unfitness (n.) – The state of being physically unhealthy or not in good shape

ill health (n.) – The condition of being sick or not physically well

poor shape (n.) – The state of being physically unfit

🌱 Derivatives

shapeless (adj.) – Lacking a defined or attractive physical condition (rarely used for health)

shaping (n.) – The process of improving physical shape through exercise

shapewear (n.) – Clothing designed to temporarily alter the wearer's body shape