shape
gb/ʃˈeɪp/ us/ʃˈeɪp/
A1
English
~ 2800
alak, alakzat, forma, formáz, alakít, állapot, befolyásol, formál
NOUN
A1
1
Usage pattern:
the shape of [something]
The clouds took the shape of animals.
A felhők állatok alakját vették fel.
This table has a round shape.
Ennek az asztalnak kerek a formája.
She noticed the unusual shape of the building.
The sculpture had a human-like shape.
Learner examples
A circle is a simple shape.
A kör egyszerű alakzat.
The box has a square shape.
A doboz négyzet alakú.
The plate is in the shape of a heart.
I like the shape of this chair.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'shape' with 'size'; 'shape' refers to form, not how big something is.
Meaning
the outline or form of something
Collocations
basic shape
|change shape
|geometric shape
|in the shape of
Synonyms
form (Often interchangeable, but 'form' can include internal structure as well as outline.)
Antonyms
formlessness (The absence of any clear outline or contour.)
Themes
daily life
|art
|geometry
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The outside form or outline of something.
The visible outer form or contour of a person, object, or figure.
VERB
A2
2
Usage pattern:
to shape [something] into [form]
She shaped the clay into a bowl.
Tállá formázta az agyagot.
The tailor shaped the dress to fit her body.
A szabó a testére igazította a ruhát.
We shaped the snow into a small fort.
Learner examples
He shaped the sand into a castle.
Várat formázott a homokból.
She shaped the bread dough into a ball.
A kenyértésztát golyóvá formázta.
They shaped the wood into a boat.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'shape' with 'create'; shaping means forming something that already exists, not making it from nothing.
Meaning
to give form to something
Collocations
shape clay
|shape dough
|shape metal
Synonyms
mold ('Mold' often implies using a container or mold to create the form.)
Antonyms
deform (To change into an unnatural or unwanted shape.)
Themes
crafts
|art
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To make something have a certain form or outline.
To make or adjust something so that it has a particular form or outline.
NOUN
A2
3
Usage pattern:
in [good/bad] shape
He's in great shape for his age.
A korához képest remek formában van.
The old bike is still in good shape.
A régi bicikli még mindig jó állapotban van.
After the accident, the car was in bad shape.
Learner examples
I want to get in shape.
Szeretnék formába lendülni.
Her shoes are in bad shape.
A cipői rossz állapotban vannak.
My phone is still in good shape.
Common mistake:
Learners may misinterpret 'shape' here as physical outline instead of condition.
Meaning
condition or state of health/repair
Collocations
in good shape
|out of shape
|keep in shape
Synonyms
condition ('Condition' is more general and formal; 'shape' is common in everyday speech.)
Antonyms
disrepair (For objects: poor condition due to neglect; for people: poor health or fitness.)
Themes
health
|sports
|core_vocabulary
Definition
How good or bad the body or something is working or looking.
The condition or physical state of someone or something, especially in terms of health, fitness, or repair.
VERB
B1
4
Usage pattern:
to shape [someone's/something's] [future/attitude/etc.]
Teachers can shape their students' futures.
A tanárok alakíthatják a diákjaik jövőjét.
The experience shaped her career path.
Ez az élmény alakította a pályafutását.
Public opinion helped shape the new law.
Learner examples
My parents shaped my ideas about work.
A szüleim alakították a munkáról alkotott elképzeléseimet.
This trip will shape your view of the world.
Ez az utazás formálni fogja a világlátásodat.
His words shaped her decision.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse literal and figurative uses; here it is figurative about development, not physical form.
Meaning
to influence how something develops
Collocations
shape opinions
|shape policy
|shape future
Synonyms
influence ('Influence' is broader; 'shape' suggests giving definite direction or form.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failing to guide or affect development.)
Themes
education
|life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To change how something develops or grows.
To have a strong effect on the way someone or something grows, develops, or behaves.
Grammar
Dictionary form
shape
IPA
GB/ʃˈeɪp/
US/ʃˈeɪp/
Syllables & stress
shape (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (shape)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: shape
- Plural: shape, shapes
Verb
- Base: shape
- 3rd Person Singular: shapes
- Present Participle: shaping
- Past: shaped
Word family
Forms
shapes
noun
shaping
verb
shaped
verb
Related words
reshape
verb
Negative and opposite forms
shapeless
adjective
Advanced or less common
shapely
adjective
Expressions
in shape
1/ˈɪn ʃˈeɪp/
fixed phrase
physically fit and healthy
Healthy and physically strong.
Examples
- She runs every day to stay in shape.
- After months of training, he's finally in shape for the race.
in the shape of
1/ˈɪn ðə ʃˈeɪp əv/
fixed phrase
having the form of something else
Looking like another thing's form.
Examples
- A cake in the shape of a star sat on the table.
- They built a pool in the shape of a guitar.
out of shape
1/ˈaʊt əv ʃˈeɪp/
fixed phrase
unfit or in poor condition
Not healthy or physically strong; not working well.
Examples
- I'm really out of shape after the holidays.
- The old sofa is completely out of shape now.
shape up
1/ʃˈeɪp ˈʌp/
phrasal verb
informal
improve behavior/performance quickly
To behave or do things better than before.
Examples
- You need to shape up or you'll fail the class.
- The team shaped up after the coach's speech.
take shape
1/tˈeɪk ʃˈeɪp/
fixed phrase
begin to have a clear form/structure
To start to look like what it will be when finished.
Examples
- Plans for the new park are starting to take shape.
- The project is slowly taking shape.