shape

shape1 [ ʃeıp ] noun ***

▸ 1 outer form of something

▸ 2 something you cannot see well

▸ 3 features/qualities

▸ 4 condition of something/someone

▸ 5 correct order/structure

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) count or uncount the outer form of something:

The room forms an L-shape.

Trace the shape onto the card and cut it out.

all shapes and sizes: There were balloons of all shapes and sizes in the sky.

in the shape of: a flower bed in the shape of a cross

a ) the usual or original outer form of something:

Her curls lost their shape and became frizzy.

The front wheel of my bike is bent out of shape.

2. ) count something that you cannot see well because it is far away or there is not enough light:

Ghostly shapes loomed out of the fog and then disappeared again.

3. ) uncount the features or qualities of something:

It's part of a plan to change the shape of local government.

4. ) uncount the condition of something, especially in relation to its ability to be effective or successful:

The economy is in worse shape than it's ever been in.

a ) the condition of someone's health:

He's in a lot better shape since he's changed his diet.

5. ) count or uncount the correct order, arrangement, or structure of something:

Marie tried to find the right words to give shape to her ideas.

in any shape or form or in any way, shape, or form

in any way at all:

This is not a criticism in any way, shape, or form.

in many (different) shapes and forms

in many ways or types:

Loans come in many shapes and forms.

in/out of shape

in good/bad physical condition:

I can't believe how out of shape I am.

get in shape: I really want to get in shape before summer.

in the shape of

consisting of:

Help was at hand in the shape of a government grant.

lick/knock/whip someone/something into shape

to improve the condition or performance of someone or something:

I'm going to whip this department into shape.

the shape of things to come

the type of situation you can expect in the future:

New urban designs: is this the shape of things to come?

take shape

to develop into something that can be recognized:

The idea began to take shape about two years ago.

shape

shape 2 [ ʃeıp ] verb transitive **

1. ) to influence the way a person, idea, or situation develops:

His generation firmly believed they could shape the future.

Research findings are often used to shape social policy.

We have all been shaped by our past experiences.

2. ) to form something into a particular shape:

The blacksmith shapes farm tools on his anvil.

shape something into something: Shape the mixture into cubes.

,shape `up phrasal verb intransitive

1. ) to develop:

Education is shaping up as the hottest issue on the agenda.

2. ) to improve your behavior or your work:

The new boss has warned Roger to shape up.

a ) shape up or ship out AMERICAN INFORMAL used for telling someone that if they do not improve their behavior or their work they must leave