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form

n. · v.
US //ˈfɔɹm// UK //fˈɔːm// form
  1. 1 shape or appearance (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    the physical shape, appearance, or configuration of something.

    the external shape, appearance, or configuration of an object, often in contrast to its matter or content.

    Example

    The artist was fascinated by the form of the ancient trees in the park.

    Example

    The sculptor spent months refining the human form, ensuring every muscle and curve was anatomically precise.
  2. 2 document to fill in (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a printed or digital document with blank spaces for you to write information.

    a document with a fixed arrangement of captioned spaces designed for the entry and extraction of specific data.

    Example

    Please fill in this application form and return it to the front desk.

    Example

    The immigration officer requested that all applicants complete the supplementary form in block capitals to ensure legibility.
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  1. 3 a type or variety (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a particular type, kind, or variety of something.

    a particular manifestation, variety, or type of something that exists in several ways.

    Example

    Swimming is a great form of exercise for people of all ages.

    Example

    The professor argued that satire is a sophisticated form of social commentary that requires a deep understanding of cultural context.
  2. 4 school year (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Education

    a class or year group in some schools, especially in the UK.

    a class or year group of students, primarily used in British English and some private educational contexts.

    Example

    My brother is in the fifth form at his secondary school.

    Example

    The headmaster addressed the sixth form regarding their upcoming university applications and the importance of meeting deadlines.
  3. 5 grammar/linguistics (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Linguistics

    the specific way a word is written or spoken depending on its grammar.

    the particular grammatical or phonological shape of a word or morpheme.

    Example

    The past tense form of 'go' is 'went'.

    Example

    Learners often struggle with the irregular forms of strong verbs in Germanic languages.
  4. 6 athletic technique (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the way you move your body when doing a sport or exercise.

    the technical manner in which a physical movement or athletic task is executed.

    Example

    You should focus on your form when lifting weights to avoid injury.

    Example

    The coach spent the entire session correcting the swimmer's form to maximize efficiency and reduce drag in the water.
  5. 7 to create or make (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to make, create, or start something.

    to bring something into existence or to give it a particular shape.

    Example

    The students decided to form a book club to meet once a month.

    Example

    Over millions of years, the cooling lava formed the unique hexagonal columns seen along the coast today.
  6. 8 to constitute (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to be the parts that make up a whole.

    to serve as the components or essential elements of a whole.

    Example

    These three departments form the core of our university.

    Example

    The evidence presented during the trial will form the basis of the jury's final decision.
Origin

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".

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