# forming

/ˈfɔɹmɪŋ/ (US) · /fˈɔːmɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forming
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. creating or making

verb · CEFR A2

the act of making something or giving it a shape.

For teachers: the process of giving shape or structure to something; often used to describe physical or abstract creation.

- The artist is forming a bowl out of wet clay on the wheel.
- By forming the metal while it was still white-hot, the blacksmith was able to create intricate patterns that would be impossible at lower temperatures.

### 2. organizing a group

verb · CEFR B1

starting or organizing a group, like a team or a line.

For teachers: the act of organizing people or things into a specific arrangement or collective body.

- The students are forming a line outside the classroom door.
- The local residents are forming a committee to protest the construction of the new highway through the nature reserve.

### 3. developing an idea

verb · CEFR B2

the process of starting to have a thought, plan, or opinion.

For teachers: the gradual development or emergence of a mental concept, opinion, or habit.

- I am still forming an opinion about the new manager.
- After weeks of research, the scientist felt she was finally forming a coherent theory to explain the unusual data patterns.

### 4. the act of creation

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the actual act or process of making something exist.

For teachers: the action or process of giving something a particular shape or state of existence.

- The forming of the mountains took millions of years.
- The rapid forming of ice crystals on the wings of the aircraft presented a significant challenge to the flight crew during the ascent.

## Examples

- The students are forming a circle for the game.
- Clouds are forming in the distance, suggesting that a storm might arrive by late afternoon.
- By forming a strategic alliance with their primary competitors, the firm managed to stabilise the market and prevent a further decline in share prices during the recession.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.