n. 1 form, figure, build, body, physique; lines, profile, silhouette, contours I've never heard anyone complain about Marilyn Monroe's shape 2 form, pattern, configuration, structure, aspect The discussion is on the shape of things to come in the double-glazing trade The new swimming-pool will be in the shape of a figure of eight. 3 form Gradually, the shopping mall began to take shape 4 state, condition, fettle, status, (state of) health, order, trim When I saw Wayne yesterday, he seemed in very good shape indeed 5 guise, disguise, form, appearance, likeness, image Zeus visited Dane in the shape of a golden shower, and fathered Perseus on her
v. 6 form, fashion, mould, cast, make, model, sculpture, sculpt; cut, carve, hew, hack, trim Using primitive tools, they were able to shape the clay into bowls The topiary shrubs were shaped into the forms of birds. 7 determine, give form to, control, govern, regulate, affect, condition, influence, decree, frame, define, There are many factors that shape our future 8 word, express, embody in words, put, formulate, form Perhaps you could shape your question differently 9 change, modify, remodel, accommodate, fit, adapt, adjust The box was shaped especially for this bottle 10 shape up. a take form, take shape, develop, evolve, proceed The plan is shaping up very nicely b conform, improve, progress, go or move or come along, show improvement, come up to snuff; behave better Those who cannot shape up will have to ship out