Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense forms, present participle forming, past tense, past participle formed
1. countable noun
A formof something is a type or kind of it.
He contracted a rare form of cancer. [+ of]
Doctors are willing to take some form of industrial action. [+ of]
I am against hunting in any form.
Synonyms: type, sort, kind, variety More Synonyms of form
2. countable noun
When something can exist or happen in several possible ways, you can use form to refer to one particular way in which it exists or happens.
Valleys often take the form of deep canyons. [+ of]
They received a benefit in the form of a tax reduction. [+ of]
In its present form, the law could lead to new injustices.
Synonyms: shape, formation, configuration, construction More Synonyms of form
3. verb
When a particular shape forms or is formed, people or things move or are arranged so that this shape is made.
A queue forms outside Peter's study. [VERB]
They formed a circle and sang 'Auld Lang Syne'. [VERB noun]
The General gave orders for the cadets to form into lines. [VERB + into]
[Also VERB noun + into]
Synonyms: arrange, combine, line up, organize More Synonyms of form
4. countable noun
The form of something is its shape.
...the form of the body.
5. countable noun
You can refer to something that you can see as a form if you cannot see it clearly, or if its outline is the clearest or most striking aspect of it.
She thought she'd never been so glad to see his bulky form.
6. verb
If something is arranged or changed so that it becomes similar to a thing with a particularstructure or function, you can say that it forms that thing.
These panels folded up to form a screen some five feet tall. [VERB noun]
All the buildings have names and form a half circle. [VERB noun]
7. verb
If something consists of particular things, people, or features, you can say thatthey form that thing.
...the articles that formed the basis of Randolph's book. [VERB noun]
Cereals form the staple diet of an enormous number of people around the world. [VERB noun]
8. verb
If you form an organization, group, or company, you start it.
They tried to form a study group on human rights. [VERB noun]
They formed themselves into teams. [V pron-refl + into]
9. verb
When something natural forms or is formed, it begins to exist and develop.
The stars must have formed 10 to 15 billion years ago. [VERB]
Huge ice sheets were formed. [beVERB-ed]
10. verb
If you form a relationship, a habit, or an idea, or if it forms, it begins to exist and develop.
This should help him form lasting relationships. [VERB noun]
An idea formed in his mind. [VERB]
11. verb
If you say that something forms a person's character or personality, you mean that it has a strong influence on them and causes them to develop in aparticular way.
Anger at injustice formed his character. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: train, develop, shape, mould More Synonyms of form
12. uncountable noun
In sport, form refers to the ability or success of a person or animal over a period of time.
His form this season has been brilliant.
Leconte showed good form.
13. countable noun
A form is a paper with questions on it and spaces marked where you should write the answers.Forms usually ask you to give details about yourself, for example when you are applying for a job orjoining an organization.
You will be asked to fill in a form with details of your birth and occupation.
...application forms.
Synonyms: document, paper, sheet, questionnaire More Synonyms of form
14. See also sixth form
15.
See bad form
16.
See in good form
17.
See off form
18.
See on form
19.
See take form
20.
See true to form
More Synonyms of form
English Easy Learning GrammarThe non-finite parts of the verbNon-finite parts of a verb are those that do not indicate number, person or tense.The common non-finite forms are: the base form the present participle ... Read more
form in British English
(fɔːm)
noun
1.
the shape or configuration of something as distinct from its colour, texture, etc
2.
the particular mode, appearance, etc, in which a thing or person manifests itself
water in the form of ice
in the form of a bat
3.
a type or kind
imprisonment is a form of punishment
4.
a.
a printed document, esp one with spaces in which to insert facts or answers
an application form
b.
(as modifier)
a form letter
5.
physical or mental condition, esp good condition, with reference to ability to perform
off form
6.
the previous record of a horse, athlete, etc, esp with regard to fitness
7. British slang
a criminal record
8.
style, arrangement, or design in the arts, as opposed to content
9.
a fixed mode of artistic expression or representation in literary, musical, or other artistic works
sonata form
sonnet form
10.
a mould, frame, etc, that gives shape to something
11.
organized structure or order, as in an artistic work
12. education, mainly British
a group of children who are taught together; class
13.
manner, method, or style of doing something, esp with regard to recognized standards
14.
behaviour or procedure, esp as governed by custom or etiquette
good form
15.
formality or ceremony
16.
a prescribed set or order of words, terms, etc, as in a religious ceremony or legal document
17. philosophy
a.
the structure of anything as opposed to its constitution or content
b.
essence as opposed to matter
c. (often capital)
(in the philosophy of Plato) the ideal universal that exists independently of the particulars which fall under it
See also Form
d.
(in the philosophy of Aristotle) the constitution of matter to form a substance; by virtue of this its nature can be understood
18. logical form
19. British
a bench, esp one that is long, low, and backless
20.
the nest or hollow in which a hare lives
21.
a group of organisms within a species that differ from similar groups by trivial differences, as of colour
22. linguistics
a.
the phonological or orthographic shape or appearance of a linguistic element, such as a word
b.
a linguistic element considered from the point of view of its shape or sound ratherthan, for example, its meaning
23. crystallography crystal form
24. taxonomy
a group distinguished from other groups by a single characteristic: ranked below avariety
verb
25.
to give shape or form to or to take shape or form, esp a specified or particular shape
26.
to come or bring into existence
a scum formed on the surface
27.
to make, produce, or construct or be made, produced, or constructed
28.
to construct or develop in the mind
to form an opinion
29. (transitive)
to train, develop, or mould by instruction, discipline, or example
30. (transitive)
to acquire, contract, or develop
to form a habit
31. (transitive)
to be an element of, serve as, or constitute
this plank will form a bridge
32. (transitive)
to draw up; organize
to form a club
Derived forms
formable (ˈformable)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French forme, from Latin forma shape, model
Form in British English
(fɔːm)
noun
(in the philosophy of Plato) an ideal archetype existing independently of those individuals which fall under it, supposedly explaining their common properties and serving as the only objects of true knowledge as opposedto the mere opinion obtainable of matters of fact
Also called: Idea
-form in British English
combining form in adjective
having the shape or form of or resembling
cruciform
vermiform
Word origin
from New Latin -formis, from Latin, from fōrmaform
form in American English
(fɔrm)
noun
1.
the shape, outline, or configuration of anything; structure as apart from color, material, etc.
2.
a.
the body or figure of a person or animal
b.
a model of the human figure, esp. one used to display or fit clothes
3.
anything used to give shape to something else; mold; specif., a temporary structure of boards or metal into which concrete is poured to set
4.
the particular mode of existence a thing has or takes
water in the form of vapor
5.
a.
arrangement; esp., orderly arrangement; way in which parts of a whole are organized; pattern; style
see also content2
b.
a specific arrangement, esp. a conventional one
6.
a way of doing something requiring skill; specif., the style or technique of an athlete,esp. when it is the standard or approved one
7.
a customary or conventional way of acting or behaving; ceremony; ritual; formality
8.
a fixed order of words; formula
the form of a wedding announcement
9.
a printed document with blank spaces to be filled in
an application form
10.
a particular kind, type, species, or variety
man is a form of animal life
11.
physical or mental condition with respect to one's performance or effectiveness
in good form for the game
12.
a.
racing form
b.
what is or was to be expected, based on past performances
to react according to form
13.
the lair or hiding place of a hare, etc.
14.
a long, wooden bench without a back, as formerly in a schoolroom
15.
a grade or class in some private schools and in British secondary schools
16. Archaic
beauty
17. Grammar
any of the different variations in which a word may appear due to changes of inflection, spelling, or pronunciation
“am” is a form of the verb “be”
18. Linguistics
linguistic form
19. Philosophy
the ideal nature or essential character of a thing as distinguished from its material manifestation; specif., in Plato, an idea (sense 7)
20. Printing
the type, engravings, etc. locked in a frame, or chase, for printing or plating
verb transitive
21.
to give shape or form to; fashion; make, as in some particular way
22.
to mold or shape by training and discipline; train; instruct
23.
to develop (habits)
24.
to think of; frame in the mind; conceive
25.
to come together into; organize into
to form a club
26.
to make up; act as; create out of separate elements; constitute
thirteen states formed the original Union
27. Grammar
a.
to build (words) from bases, affixes, etc.
b.
to construct or make up (a phrase, sentence, etc.)
verb intransitive
28.
to be formed; assume shape
29.
to come into being; take form
30.
to take a definite or specific form or shape
SIMILAR WORDS: make
Idioms:
good (or bad) form
SYNONYMY NOTE: form denotes the arrangement of the parts of a thing that gives it its distinctive appearanceand is the broadest term here, applying also to abstract concepts; , figure is applied to physical form as determined by the bounding lines or surfaces; , outline is used of the lines bounding the limits of an object and, in an extended sense,suggests a general plan without detail; , shape, although also stressing outline, is usually applied to something that has mass orbulk and may refer to nonphysical concepts; , configuration stresses the relative disposition of the inequalities of a surface
Word origin
ME forme < OFr < L forma, a shape, figure, image < ? (via Etr) Gr morphē
-form in American English
(fɔrm)
1.
having the form of; shaped like
dentiform
2.
having (a specified number of) forms
triform
Word origin
OFr -forme < L forma, form
COBUILD Collocations
form
common form
different form
extreme form
mild form
Examples of 'form' in a sentence
form
We should be very cautious about forming an alliance with any of them.
The Sun (2016)
This is not a team in good form.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They formed chat groups on social media.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The president can decide who makes the first attempt at forming a government and can object to selections for cabinet posts.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
For postal applications, tick the relevant upgrade box on the application form.
The Sun (2017)
We just don't know the shape or form.
The Sun (2016)
This helps stop condensation forming.
The Sun (2016)
This helps them to form a smooth shell when baked.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The teenage years matter because it is then that lifetime habits are formed.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
She ditched the idea of forming a team and decided to go it alone.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
That smacks of a revival and a repeat of the form would see him go close.
The Sun (2013)
Until a new administration is formed the existing government would act as a caretaker.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Our home form is something we want to put right.
The Sun (2014)
There are a handful of groups which have formed around the country to find their own answer.
Ingham, Christine Life Without Work (1994)
The first step of recruitment is usually an application form provided by the employer.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Some of these take the form of homely advice.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
We formed a circle and cried for what might have been.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
That is the team that won us qualifying and all the team is in good form.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
So she researched it on her phone and applied for the forms from the government website.
The Sun (2013)
Skies demand keen observation if you are to capture their particular shapes and forms.
Improve Your Landscape Painting
That is one of the great things about the form this book takes.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But the man himself was modesty personified as he was quizzed about his brilliant form.
The Sun (2010)
Injuries followed and the squad lost shape and form.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
These are the things that form your views in life.
The Sun (2013)
We all experience apathy in its milder forms from time to time.
Knowles, Jane Know Your Own Mind (1991)
He will face some form of action.
The Sun (2008)
The document will form the basis of a study of the impact of the project on the environment.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This was an eighth consecutive win in all competitions and it is the right time of the season to hit form.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It has both form and content.
Christianity Today (2000)
They will form the passive resistance.
The Sun (2009)
In other languages
form
British English: form /fɔːm/ NOUN
A form of something is a type or kind of it.
He has a rare form of the disease.
American English: form
Arabic: شَكْل
Brazilian Portuguese: forma
Chinese: 类型
Croatian: oblik
Czech: podoba
Danish: form slags
Dutch: vorm conditie
European Spanish: forma modalidad
Finnish: muoto
French: forme
German: Form
Greek: σχήμα
Italian: forma
Japanese: 形
Korean: 형태
Norwegian: form
Polish: forma
European Portuguese: forma
Romanian: formă
Russian: форма
Latin American Spanish: forma
Swedish: form sort
Thai: รูปแบบ
Turkish: şekil
Ukrainian: форма
Vietnamese: hình thức
All related terms of 'form'
forme
type matter, blocks , etc, assembled in a chase and ready for printing
by-form
a subsidiary or variant form
on form
If you say that someone is on form , you think that they are performing their usual activity very well .
re-form
When an organization , group, or shape re-forms , or when someone re-forms it, it is created again after a period during which it did not exist or existed in a different form.
art form
If you describe an activity as an art form , you mean that it is concerned with creating objects, works, or performances that are beautiful or have a serious meaning .
bad form
If you say that it is bad form to behave in a particular way, you mean that it is rude and impolite .
base form
the simplest form of a word, to which inflections may be added
form drag
the drag on a body moving through a fluid as a result of the shape of the body. It can be reduced by streamlining
form feed
a printer command that causes the printer to start printing on a new sheet of paper
form room
a room in a school for a particular form or the room where a particular form register their attendance
free form
A free form work of art or piece of music has not been created according to a standard style or convention .
keto form
the form of tautomeric compounds when they are ketones rather than enols
life form
A life form is any living thing such as an animal or plant.
mild form
A form of something is a type or kind of it.
off form
If you say that someone is off form , you think they are not performing as well as they usually do.
pro-form
a word having grammatical function but assuming the meaning of an antecedent word or phrase for which it substitutes
song form
a musical structure consisting of two contrasting sections followed by a repetition of the first; the form aba
take form
When something takes form , it develops or begins to be visible .
tax form
a declaration of personal income made annually to the tax authorities and used as a basis for assessing an individual's liability for taxation
binary form
a structure consisting of two sections, each being played twice
claim form
an application form for claiming financial compensation
common form
A form of something is a type or kind of it.
dress form
an adjustable dummy used in dressmaking that can be made to conform to a person's figure
entry form
the form you have to fill in to enter something such as a competition
fifth form
the fifth year of secondary school in England , Wales , or Northern Island
first form
the first class that children go into at school
form class
a group of words distinguished by common inflections , such as the weak verbs of English
form feeder
a device that mechanically feeds paper into a printer
form genus
a group of species ( form species ) that have similar structural characteristics but are not closely related
form leader
a pupil elected by other pupils to lead or represent their form
form letter
a single copy of a letter that has been mechanically reproduced in large numbers for circulation
form master
a teacher or member of a school's staff designated as being in charge of a certain form
form tutor
a teacher or member of a school's staff designated as being in charge of a certain form
fourth form
the fourth year of study in a school
order form
a form with blanks in which a purchaser indicates desired items
racing form
a chart , booklet , etc. containing information, such as past performance, post position, odds , etc., about a program of horse races at a track or number of tracks
second form
→ the second form
sixth form
The sixth form in a British school consists of the classes that pupils go to from 16 to 18 years of age, usually in order to study for A levels.
sonata form
a musical structure consisting of an expanded ternary form whose three sections ( exposition , development, and recapitulation ), followed by a coda , are characteristic of the first movement in a sonata , symphony , string quartet , concerto , etc
speech form
→ linguistic form
third form
the third year of education at school , esp in England
attested form
a linguistic form that can be shown to be in use or in written records
booking form
a form used to book a holiday , accommodation , etc
citation form
the spoken form a word has when produced in isolation , such as when cited for purposes of illustration , as distinguished from the form it would have when produced in the normal stream of speech
clipped form
a shortened form of a word, as for example doc for doctor
consent form
a form signed by a patient prior to a medical procedure to confirm that he or she agrees to the procedure and is aware of any risks that might be involved
crystal form
a symmetrical set of planes in space, associated with a crystal , having the same symmetry as the crystal class
customs form
a form for customs , concerning the nature , value, destination , etc, of goods being imported or exported
extreme form
A form of something is a type or kind of it.
feedback form
A feedback form is a paper with questions on it and spaces marked where you should write the answers . It asks a hotel guest if they enjoyed their stay and what could be improved.
Chinese translation of 'form'
form
(fɔːm)
n
(c) (= type) 类(類)型 (lèixíng) (种(種), zhǒng)
⇒ The symptoms take various forms.症状有多种类型。 (Zhèngzhuàng yǒu duōzhǒng lèixíng.)
⇒ a rare form of cancer一种罕见的癌症类型 (yīzhǒng hǎnjiàn de áizhèng lèixíng)
(c) (= manner) 形式 (xíngshì) (种(種), zhǒng)
⇒ She didn't like the form in which the questions were written.她不喜欢这些问题的书写形式。 (Tā bù xǐhuan zhèxiē wèntí de shūxiě xíngshì.)
(c) (= body) 体(體)态(態) (tǐtài)
⇒ She gazed at his slumbering form.她注视着他沉睡时的体态。 (Tā zhùshìzhe tā chénshuì shí de tǐtài.)
⇒ The League was formed in 1959.该俱乐部是于1959年成立的。 (Gāi jùlèbù shì yú yījiǔwǔjiǔ nián chénglì de.)
[idea, impression]形成 (xíngchéng)
⇒ the impression I'd formed of Jack我对杰克形成的印象 (wǒ duì Jiékè xíngchéng de yìnxiàng)
[habit]养(養)成 (yǎngchéng)
⇒ He formed the habit of taking long solitary walks.他养成了独自长途徒步走的习惯。 (Tā yǎngchéngle dúzì chángtú túbù zǒu de xíguàn.)
[relationship]建立 (jiànlì)
⇒ He is wary of forming another close relationship.他对再与人建立密切关系非常谨慎。 (Tā duì zài yǔ rén jiànlì mìqiè guānxì fēicháng jǐnshèn.)
vi
[shape, queue]产(產)生 (chǎnshēng)
⇒ That's why this natural phenomenon forms.那就是这个自然现象产生的原因。 (Nà jiùshì zhège zìrán xiànxiàng chǎnshēng de yuányīn.)
⇒ A scab had formed on his knee.他的膝盖上结了个痂。 (Tā de xīgài shang jiēle gè jiā.)
(= begin to exist)[stars, mountains]形成 (xíngchéng)
⇒ The stars must have formed around 10 billion years ago.星星一定是在大约一百亿年前形成的。 (Xīngxing yīdìng shì zài dàyuē yībǎi yì nián qián xíngchéng de.)
in the form of通过(過) ... 方式 (tōngguò ... fāngshì)
⇒ She is taking lots of exercise in the form of walks or swimming.她正通过走路或者游泳的方式进行大量的锻炼。 (Tā zhèng tōngguò zǒulù huòzhě yóuyǒng de fāngshì jìnxíng dàliàng de duànliàn.)
to take the form of以 ... 形式 (yǐ ... xíngshì)
⇒ The broadcast took the form of an interview.这个节目是以采访的形式进行的。 (Zhège jiémù shì yǐ cǎifǎng de xíngshì jìnxíng de.)
to form part of sth构(構)成某事的一部分 (gòuchéng mǒushì de yī bùfen)
to be in good or top form (Sport) 处(處)于(於)良好的竞(競)技状(狀)态(態)或巅(巔)峰状(狀)态(態) (chǔyú liánghǎo de jìngjì zhuàngtài huò diānfēng zhuàngtài) (Brit, fig) 处(處)于(於)良好的精神状(狀)态(態) (chǔyú liánghǎo de jīngshén zhuàngtài)
to be on/off form (Sport) 竞(競)技状(狀)态(態)良好/不好 (jìngjì zhuàngtài liánghǎo/bù hǎo) (Brit, fig) 能/不能发(發)挥(揮)正常水平 (néng/bùnéng fāhuī zhèngcháng shuǐpíng)
All related terms of 'form'
order form
定货(貨)单(單) dìnghuòdān [ 份 fèn ]
sixth form
▶ the sixth form 六年级，英国中学教育的最后两年，在此期间学生准备A-level考试，以取得大学入学资格
application form
申请(請)表格 shēnqǐng biǎogé [ 份 fèn ]
true to form
一如既往 yī rú jì wǎng
form of address
称(稱)呼 chēnghu
the sixth form
六年级，英国中学教育的最后两年，在此期间学生准备A-level考试，以取得大学入学资格
in the form of
通过(過) ... 方式 tōngguò ... fāngshì ⇒ She is taking lots of exercise in the form of walks or swimming. → 她正通过走路或者游泳的方式进行大量的锻炼。 Tā zhèng tōngguò zǒulù huòzhě yóuyǒng de fāngshì jìnxíng dàliàng de duànliàn.
sixth form college
第六级学校，为16岁以上的学生提供A-level考试及相关的课程
to be on/off form
( Sport ) 竞(競)技状(狀)态(態)良好/不好 jìngjì zhuàngtài liánghǎo/bù hǎo
to form part of sth
构(構)成某事的一部分 gòuchéng mǒushì de yī bùfen
to take the form of
以 ... 形式 yǐ ... xíngshì ⇒ The broadcast took the form of an interview. → 这个节目是以采访的形式进行的。 Zhège jiémù shì yǐ cǎifǎng de xíngshì jìnxíng de.
to be in good or top form
( Sport ) 处(處)于(於)良好的竞(競)技状(狀)态(態) 或 巅(巔)峰状(狀)态(態) chǔyú liánghǎo de jìngjì zhuàngtài huò diānfēng zhuàngtài
I can't bear gardening in any shape or form
我受不了任何形式的园(園)艺(藝) wǒ shòubuliǎo rènhé xíngshì de yuányì
to go into partnership or form a partnership (with sb)
(与(與)某人)合伙(夥)做生意 (yǔ mǒurén) héhuǒ zuò shēngyi
1 (noun)
Definition
a type or kind
He contracted a rare form of cancer.
Synonyms
type
There are various types of the disease.
sort
What sort of person is he?
kind
Donations came in from all kinds of people.
variety
She grows 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.
way
Freezing is a great way to preserve most foods.
system
the decimal system of metric weights and measures
order
the order of insects Coleoptera, better known as beetles
class
a new class of personal computer
style
six scenes in the style of a classical Greek tragedy
practice
a public inquiry into bank practices
method
new teaching methods
species
There are several thousand species of trees here.
manner
What manner of place is this?
stamp
Monty is a man of a very different stamp.
description
Events of this description occurred daily.
2 (noun)
Definition
the shape or appearance of something
Valleys often take the form of deep canyons.
Synonyms
shape
Carefully cut round the shape of the design you wish to use.
formation
He was flying in formation with seven other jets.
configuration
The flow of water follows the configuration of the rock strata.
construction
The British pavilion is an impressive steel and glass construction.
cut
The cut of her clothes made her look slimmer and taller.
model
To keep the cost down, opt for a basic model.
fashion
structure
pattern
cast
appearance
stamp
You may live only where the stamp in your passport says you may.
mould
At first sight, he is not cast in the leading man mould.
3 (noun)
Definition
the structure and arrangement of a work of art or piece of writing as distinguished from its content
the sustained narrative form of the novel
Synonyms
structure
The chemical structure of this particular molecule is very unusual.
plan
order
The wish to impose order upon confusion is a kind of intellectual instinct.
organization
the internal organization of the department
arrangement
an imaginative flower arrangement
construction
Avoid complex verbal constructions.
proportion
an artist with a special feel for colour and proportion
format
They met to discuss the format of future negotiations.
framework
within the framework of federal regulations
harmony
symmetry
the incredible beauty and symmetry of a snowflake
orderliness
4 (noun)
Definition
a visible person or animal
She saw the form of a person coming towards her.
Synonyms
build
the smallness of his build
being
body
The largest organ in the body is the liver.
figure
Take pride in your health and your figure.
shape
the shapes of the trees against the sky
frame
belts pulled tight against their bony frames
outline
She could see only the hazy outline of the trees.
anatomy
He had worked extensively on the anatomy of living animals.
silhouette
the dark silhouette of the castle ruins
physique
a powerful physique
person
Sam's the only person who can do the job.
5 (noun)
Definition
physical or mental condition
He's now fighting his way back to top form.
Synonyms
condition
He was in fine condition for his age.
health
Although he's old, he's in good health.
shape
He was still in better shape than many young men.
nick (informal)
fitness
Squash was thought to offer all-round fitness.
trim
He is already getting in trim for the big day.
good condition
good spirits
fettle
You seem in fine fettle.
6 (noun)
Definition
a printed document, esp. one with spaces in which to fill details or answers
You will be asked to fill in an application form.
Synonyms
document
The foreign minister signed the document today.
paper
sheet
questionnaire
Headteachers will be asked to fill in a questionnaire.
application
7 (noun)
Definition
manners and etiquette
a frequent broadcaster on correct form and dress
Synonyms
procedure
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
behaviour
He was asked to explain his extraordinary behaviour.
manners
etiquette
a breach of the rules of diplomatic etiquette
use
rule
The usual rule is to start as one group.
conduct
Other people judge you by your conduct.
ceremony
custom
The custom of lighting the Olympic flame goes back centuries.
convention
a social convention
ritual
Italian culture revolves around the ritual of eating.
done thing
usage
a fruitful convergence with past usage and custom
protocol
He is a stickler for royal protocol.
formality
The will was read, but it was a formality.
wont
Keith woke early, as was his wont.
right practice
kawa (New Zealand)
tikanga (New Zealand)
8 (noun)
Definition
a group of children who are taught together
British)
I was going into the sixth form at school.
Synonyms
class
Reducing the size of classes should be a priority.
year
set
the popular watering hole for the literary set
rank
Each rank of the peerage was respected.
grade
Staff turnover is high among junior grades.
stream
Examinations are used to choose which pupils will move into the top streams.
9 (noun)
Definition
the particular mode in which a thing or person appears
The rejoicing took the form of exuberant masquerades.
Synonyms
mode
the capitalist mode of production
character
shape
The glass bottle is the shape of a woman's torso.
appearance
He had the appearance of a college student.
arrangement
manifestation
the manifestation of grief
guise
He claimed the Devil had appeared to him in the guise of a goat.
semblance
They had nursed Peter back to some semblance of health.
design
The pictures are based on simple geometric designs.
1 (verb)
Definition
to give shape to or take shape, esp. a particular shape
He gave orders for the cadets to form into lines.
Synonyms
arrange
He started to arrange the books in piles.
combine
line up
organize
He began to organize his papers.
assemble
dispose
He was preparing to dispose his effects about the room.
draw up
2 (verb)
Definition
to make or construct or be made or constructed
The bowl was formed out of clay.
Synonyms
make
They now make cars at two plants in Europe.
produce
The company produces circuitry for communications systems.
model
Sometimes she carved wood or modelled clay.
fashion
The desk was fashioned out of oak.
build
Developers are now proposing to build a hotel on the site.
create
He's creating a whole new language of painting.
shape
Like it or not, our families shape our lives.
manufacture
The first three models are being manufactured at our factory in Manchester.
stamp
construct
The boxes should be constructed from rough-sawn timber.
assemble
She was trying to assemble the bookcase when it collapsed.
forge
They agreed to forge closer economic ties.
mould
We moulded a statue out of mud.
fabricate
All the tools are fabricated from high-quality steel.
3 (verb)
Definition
to be an element of
Women formed the majority of the group's membership.
Synonyms
constitute
The country's ethnic minorities constitute 7 per cent of its total population.
make up
compose
They agreed to form a council composed of leaders of the rival factions.
comprise
Women comprise the majority of this hospital's medical staff.
serve as
make
She'll make a fine artist, if she gets the right training.
Your idea will make a good book.
4 (verb)
Definition
to come or bring into existence
You may want to form a company to buy a joint freehold.
Synonyms
establish
They established the school in 1989.
start
Now is probably as good a time as any to start a business.
found
He founded the Centre for Journalism Studies.
launch
The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
set up
invent
He invented the first electric clock.
devise
put together
bring about
contrive
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
5 (verb)
Definition
to come or bring into existence
Stalactites and stalagmites began to form.
Synonyms
take shape
grow
develop
materialize
None of the anticipated difficulties materialized.
rise
appear
A woman appeared at the far end of the street.
settle
show up (informal)
accumulate
come into being
crystallize
Now my thoughts really began to crystallize.
become visible
6 (verb)
She rapidly formed a plan.
Synonyms
draw up
design
We may be able to design a course to suit your particular needs.
devise
We devised a scheme to help him.
formulate
He formulated his plan for escape.
plan
I had been planning a trip to the West Coast.
pattern
frame
A convention was set up to frame a constitution.
organize
We need someone to help organize our campaign.
think up
7 (verb)
Definition
to acquire or develop
It is easier to form good habits than to break bad ones.
Synonyms
develop
I developed a taste for the finer things in life.
pick up
acquire
I've never acquired a taste for wine.
cultivate
Try to cultivate a positive mental attitude.
contract
Norton had contracted tuberculosis and been sent off to a sanatorium.
get into (informal)
8 (verb)
Definition
to train or mould by instruction or example
Anger at injustice formed his character.
Synonyms
train
We train them in bricklaying and other building techniques.
develop
shape
mould
school
He is schooled to spot trouble.
teach
a programme to teach educational skills
She taught me to read.
guide
He should have let his instinct guide him.
discipline
I'm very good at disciplining myself.
rear
I was reared in east Texas.
educate
She was educated at a local school.
bring up
instruct
He instructs family members in nursing techniques.
idioms
See good form
phrases
See off form
See on form
See take form
Additional synonyms
in the sense of acquire
Definition
to get or develop (something such as an object, trait, or ability)
I've never acquired a taste for wine.
Synonyms
learn,
pick up,
master,
grasp,
attain,
imbibe
in the sense of anatomy
Definition
the structure of an animal or plant
He had worked extensively on the anatomy of living animals.