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shaped

adj. · v.
US //ˈʃeɪpt// UK //ʃˈeɪpt// shaped
  1. 1 having a specific form (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having a particular physical form or outline.

    possessing a defined physical form or contour; often used to describe items that have been deliberately moulded.

    Example

    The artist displayed several beautifully shaped clay pots on the wooden shelf.

    Example

    The carefully shaped hedges provided a structured border for the formal garden, contrasting with the wilder meadows beyond.
    • shapeless
    • formless
  2. 2 in compounds (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used with another word to describe what something looks like.

    used in combination with nouns to indicate a resemblance in outline or form.

    Example

    She gave her mother a heart-shaped box of chocolates for her birthday.

    Example

    The architect designed a U-shaped courtyard to ensure that every office in the building received a sufficient amount of natural light.

    Usage

    Always used as a suffix with a hyphen, such as 'heart-shaped' or 'U-shaped'.
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  1. 3 influenced or created (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have influenced how something developed or to have made something into a certain form.

    the past tense and past participle of 'shape', referring to the act of giving form to material or influencing the development of an idea.

    Example

    His early experiences in the army shaped his views on leadership.

    Example

    The philosopher's theories were shaped by the political instability of the era, leading to a focus on social order and security.
Origin

From Middle English schaped, ischaped, equivalent to shape + -ed.

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