amorphously
gb/əmˈɑɹfˈaʊsli/ us/əmˈɑɹfˈaʊsli/
C1
English
alaktalanul, strukturálatlanul, homályosan
C1
FORMAL
1
alaktalanul
C1
Usage pattern:
[something] looks/forms/spreads/moves amorphously
A dark stain spread amorphously across the paper as the ink soaked in.
Ahogy a tinta beszívódott, egy sötét folt alaktalanul szétterült a papíron.
The fog drifted amorphously through the streetlights, changing shape as it moved.
A köd alaktalanul gomolygott az utcai lámpák között, és mozgás közben folyton változtatta az alakját.
Under the microscope, the material appeared amorphously rather than in neat crystals.
Learner examples
The cloud moved amorphously in the sky.
A felhő alaktalanul mozgott az égen.
The paint spread amorphously on the wet wall.
A festék alaktalanul szétterült a nedves falon.
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with "anonymously" (privately, without a name).
Meaning
without a definite shape
Collocations
amorphously shaped
|amorphously formed
|amorphously arranged
|amorphously distributed
|amorphously spread
|amorphously clustered
|amorphously moving
|amorphously flowing
|amorphously expanding
|amorphously outlined
Synonyms
shapelessly (More common and less formal.)
|
formlessly (Emphasizes lack of form rather than outline.)
Antonyms
distinctly (With a clear, recognizable shape.)
|
sharply (With clear, sharp edges or boundaries.)
Themes
description
|science
|materials
Definition
in a shapeless way
In a way that has no clear or definite shape or form; shapelessly.
C1
FORMAL
2
homályosan
B2
Usage pattern:
[something] is organized/defined/structured amorphously
The team was organized amorphously, with roles shifting from week to week.
A csapatot meglehetősen strukturálatlanul szervezték meg, a szerepek hétről hétre változtak.
Their goals were described amorphously, making it hard to measure progress.
A céljaikat annyira homályosan írták le, hogy nehéz volt mérni az előrehaladást.
The movement grew amorphously, without a formal membership or leadership.
Learner examples
The plan was explained amorphously, so I was confused.
A tervet homályosan magyarázták el, ezért összezavarodtam.
Common mistake:
In this sense it describes organization/definition, not physical shape.
Meaning
without clear structure or definition
Collocations
amorphously organized
|amorphously structured
|amorphously defined
|amorphously conceived
|amorphously grouped
|amorphously connected
|amorphously aligned
|amorphously categorized
Synonyms
loosely (Emphasizes weak organization rather than lack of boundaries.)
|
vaguely (Emphasizes lack of clarity or precision.)
Antonyms
clearly (With clear boundaries or structure.)
|
systematically (With an organized, methodical structure.)
Themes
writing
|business
|society
Definition
in an unclear, unorganized way
In a way that lacks a clear structure, organization, or defined boundaries; loosely and indistinctly.
Grammar
Dictionary form
amorphously
IPA
GB/əmˈɑɹfˈaʊsli/
US/əmˈɑɹfˈaʊsli/
Syllables & stress
amorph - ously (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ously)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: amorphously
- Plural: amorphouslies
Word family
Forms
amorphouslies
noun
Core family
amorphous
adjective C1
Related words
formless
adjective
shapeless
adjective
Advanced or less common
amorphousness
noun
Expressions
amorphously defined
1/əmˈɑɹfˈaʊsli dɪfˈaɪnd/
fixed phrase
formal
not clearly defined
defined in a vague way
Examples
- The policy targeted an amorphously defined set of online harms.
- They were working toward an amorphously defined vision of success.
- The report criticized the use of amorphously defined categories.
Learner examples
- The goal was amorphously defined.
amorphously organized
1/əmˈɑɹfˈaʊsli ˈɔɹɡənˌaɪzd/
fixed phrase
formal
organized without clear structure
not organized in a clear way
Examples
- The volunteers were an amorphously organized network rather than a formal charity.
- At first, the department was amorphously organized, with overlapping responsibilities.
- The project began as an amorphously organized effort among friends.
Learner examples
- The team was amorphously organized.
amorphously shaped
1/əmˈɑɹfˈaʊsli ʃˈeɪpt/
fixed phrase
formal
having no definite shape
shapeless
Examples
- They removed an amorphously shaped piece of debris from the filter.
- An amorphously shaped blob formed where the wax cooled.
- The island looked amorphously shaped from above, with no clear coastline.
Learner examples
- It was an amorphously shaped piece of clay.