form
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the physical shape, appearance, or configuration of something.
n.the external shape, appearance, or configuration of an object, often in contrast to its matter or content.
Simple“The artist was fascinated by the form of the ancient trees in the park.”
In context“The sculptor spent months refining the human form, ensuring every muscle and curve was anatomically precise.”
Synonyms - 02 A1 Beginner
n.a printed or digital document with blank spaces for you to write information.
n.a document with a fixed arrangement of captioned spaces designed for the entry and extraction of specific data.
Simple“Please fill in this application form and return it to the front desk.”
In context“The immigration officer requested that all applicants complete the supplementary form in block capitals to ensure legibility.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a particular type, kind, or variety of something.
n.a particular manifestation, variety, or type of something that exists in several ways.
Simple“Swimming is a great form of exercise for people of all ages.”
In context“The professor argued that satire is a sophisticated form of social commentary that requires a deep understanding of cultural context.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
n.a class or year group in some schools, especially in the UK.
n.a class or year group of students, primarily used in British English and some private educational contexts.
Simple“My brother is in the fifth form at his secondary school.”
In context“The headmaster addressed the sixth form regarding their upcoming university applications and the importance of meeting deadlines.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the specific way a word is written or spoken depending on its grammar.
n.the particular grammatical or phonological shape of a word or morpheme.
Simple“The past tense form of 'go' is 'went'.”
In context“Learners often struggle with the irregular forms of strong verbs in Germanic languages.”
Synonyms - 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the way you move your body when doing a sport or exercise.
n.the technical manner in which a physical movement or athletic task is executed.
Simple“You should focus on your form when lifting weights to avoid injury.”
In context“The coach spent the entire session correcting the swimmer's form to maximize efficiency and reduce drag in the water.”
- 07 A2 Elementary
v.to make, create, or start something.
v.to bring something into existence or to give it a particular shape.
Simple“The students decided to form a book club to meet once a month.”
In context“Over millions of years, the cooling lava formed the unique hexagonal columns seen along the coast today.”
- 08 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to be the parts that make up a whole.
v.to serve as the components or essential elements of a whole.
Simple“These three departments form the core of our university.”
In context“The evidence presented during the trial will form the basis of the jury's final decision.”
Synonyms
Usage forms part · form factor · form inside
From Middle English forme (“shape, figure, manner, bench, frame, seat, condition, agreement, etc.”), borrowed from Old French forme, from Latin fōrma (“shape, figure, image, outline, plan, mold, frame, case, etc., manner, sort, kind, etc.”). In sense "division grouping school students" (now dated), derived from public school nomenclature later adopted by state schools. It is sometimes said to be from the sense of "bench", where students of certain ages would sit together, though this is disputed, or alternatively from the sense of "established method of expression or practice".
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.