form

form1 [ fɔrm ] noun ***

▸ 1 type of something

▸ 2 way something appears/exists

▸ 3 shape of someone/something

▸ 4 level of ability

▸ 5 official document

▸ 6 about art/music etc.

▸ 7 one of parts of word

▸ 8 class at school

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count a type of something:

form of: The private automobile is by far the most popular form of transportation.

He developed a rare form of cancer.

Everyone agrees that the kids must receive some form of punishment.

2. ) count or uncount the particular way in which something appears or exists:

The information is also available in electronic form.

in the form of: You can get the medicine in the form of a nasal spray or as a tablet.

Help arrived in the form of six heavily armed police officers.

take the form of: The aid might take the form of personal service or of cash.

Neglect of children can take a variety of forms.

3. ) count a shape of someone or something:

Three forms gradually emerged out of the darkness.

She stared at the lifeless form on the driveway.

4. ) count the level of someone's ability at a particular time, especially in a sport:

Williams blames a foot injury for her recent loss of form.

The band's new CD marks a welcome return to form (=to a previous high standard).

in (good etc.) form: She is hoping to be in top form in time for the Olympics.

a ) BRITISH the state of someone's mood and health at a particular time:

in good/bad etc. form: I saw Sam last night he was in great form.

b ) in rare/top etc. form behaving or performing in a way that is especially clever, skillful, amusing, etc.:

Toronto's outrageous mayor was in rare form during his speech last night.

5. ) count an official document that has spaces where you can put in information:

Use the order form to get new office supplies.

fill in/out a form: Make sure you fill in the application form completely and legibly.

6. ) uncount the structure of a piece of writing or music or a painting:

The form of the novel is complex, with numerous flashbacks.

7. ) count one part of a verb or other word that has several different parts:

nouns like child that have irregular plural forms

It's important to learn all the forms of a verb.

8. ) count BRITISH a class at school

bad form MAINLY BRITISH OLD-FASHIONED

behavior that is considered to be not polite or socially acceptable

form

form 2 [ fɔrm ] verb ***

▸ 1 make something exist/develop

▸ 2 move to create shape

▸ 3 be (what makes up) something

▸ 4 influence development

▸ 5 make part of word

1. ) intransitive to make something exist or develop:

A change in temperature may make moisture form on the windows.

A smile formed on his lips.

A plan began to form in her mind.

a ) transitive to make something start to exist or develop:

The valley was formed by erosion.

He has been with the club since it was first formed in 1972.

She formed a deep attachment to the child.

form an impression of: The interview will give you a chance to form an impression of the company.

2. ) intransitive or transitive to move together to create a particular shape:

The boys and girls formed a line behind their teacher.

A dozen or so armed guards formed a ring around the exit.

a ) transitive to make something into a particular shape:

form something into something: Roll the clay between your hands and form it into a ball.

3. ) linking verb to be something or to be the parts that something consists of:

Fieldwork forms an important part of the course.

Mountains form a natural barrier that keeps invaders out.

Land ownership formed the basis of their wealth and power.

4. ) transitive to influence the development of something:

Her character was largely formed by the loss of her family in the war.

5. ) transitive to make one of the parts of a verb or other word that has several different parts:

You normally add -ing to form the present participle of English verbs.