Shape

German Meaning

English Meaning

1. The characteristic surface configuration of a thing; an outline or contour. See Synonyms at form.
2. Something distinguished from its surroundings by its outline.
3. The contour of a person's body; the figure.
4. A definite distinctive form: "The bomb gave the shape of life, outer and inner, an irreversible charge; a sense of fatefulness would now lie on all things” ( Alfred Kazin).
5. A desirable form: a fabric that holds its shape.
6. A form or condition in which something may exist or appear; embodiment: a god in the shape of a swan.
7. Assumed or false appearance; guise.
8. A ghostly form; a phantom.
9. Something, such as a mold or pattern, used to give or determine form.
10. The proper condition of something necessary for action, effectiveness, or use: an athlete in excellent shape.
11. To give a particular form to; create.
12. To cause to conform to a particular form or pattern; adapt to fit.
13. To plan to bring about the realization or accomplishment of; devise.
14. To embody in a definite form: shaped a folk legend into a full-scale opera.
15. To adapt to a particular use or purpose; adjust.
16. To direct the course of: "He shaped history as well as being shaped by it” ( Robert J. Samuelson).
17. To come to pass; happen.
18. To take on a definite shape or form. Often used with up or into.
19. shape up Informal To turn out; develop.
20. shape up To improve so as to meet a standard: Either shape up or ship out.