form
Definitions
The visible shape, structure, or configuration of something.
形状；外形；结构
A particular kind or variety of something.
种类；类型
A printed document with blank spaces to be filled in.
表格；申请表
A person's current physical or mental condition, especially in sport or performance.
（运动员、表演者的）状态；竞技状态
(British) a class or year group in a school.
（英式）年级；班级
To bring something into existence by combining parts; to create or shape.
组成；构成；形成
To take a particular shape or arrangement.
形成；呈现（某种形状）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedform is the root itself, from L. forma (shape, figure) and the verb formare (to shape). The English word inherited both noun (a shape) and verb (to shape) directly. Every prefix-added form-word (inform, perform, transform, reform...) is a different kind of shaping.
Root form still carries 39 more wordsWhy It Means This
Form is one of those words whose simplicity hides remarkable range. The Latin source meant «outward shape» — what something looks like, the configuration of its parts. English preserved this central image and let it spread into surprisingly distant areas: a printed «form» (a document shaped by blanks to be filled), a person's «form» (their current condition or fitness), a British school «form» (a class group, originally a row of benches with a shared «shape»), and the verb «to form» (bring into shape). All meanings trace back to the idea that to have form is to be configured in a recognizable way.
Usage Guide
- Shape (neutral): «the form of a building» — physical outline
- Type (neutral): «a form of art» — kind, variety
- Document (neutral/administrative): «fill out the form» — a paper with blanks
- Condition (sports/performance): «in good form,» «off form,» «back in form» — current capability
- School (British): «Year 11» (US) = «fifth form» (UK historical) — class group
- Verb (neutral): «form a team,» «mountains formed millions of years ago» — bring into being
- Stress: always FORM (one syllable, no shift)
Example Sentences
- 1.
The form of the building reflects its function.
- 2.
Please fill out the registration form.
- 3.
She's been in great form this season.
- 4.
Six players form the starting lineup.
- 5.
Ice forms when water freezes.
Easily Confused
form vs shape — Both refer to outline, but «form» is broader and more abstract: it can refer to type («a form of government»), condition («in good form»), or document («tax form»). «Shape» stays closer to physical geometry. You fill out a form, not a shape; you take many forms, not many shapes (in non-physical contexts).
Synonym Comparison
- shape — physical outline, more concrete
- structure — internal organization, how parts relate
- format — fixed arrangement, especially for documents/media
- mold — a template or pattern (n.); to give form to (v.)
- configuration — technical arrangement of parts