Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
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shape

noun US /ʃeɪp/

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

How often you will meet it

Rank 1,544 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 11,843 times across 139,755 chapters — 0.006% of every word in the library.

What it means

noun

  1. any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline) also: form, configuration, contour, conformation he could barely make out their shapes
  2. the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance also: form geometry is the mathematical science of shape
  3. alternative names for the body of a human being also: human body, physical body, material body, soma, build, figure Leonardo studied the human bodyhe has a strong physique
  4. a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept also: embodiment a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life
  5. the visual appearance of something or someone also: form, cast the delicate cast of his features
  6. the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of shape') also: condition

CMU Pronouncing Dictionary · Princeton WordNet 3.1

shape in real books

Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.

  • The prow was carved in the shape of a dragon's head, and a beautiful lantern hung from its jaws.

    The Firelight Fairy Book · Henry Beston · Chapter 1

  • It was so dark under the spruces that he could barely see the shape of her head beside his shoulder.

    Ethan Frome · Edith Wharton · Chapter 1

  • When he found her listening attentively to him, he implored the Princess to allow him to resume his natural shape.

    The Yellow Fairy Book: The Grateful Beasts · World Traditions (Celtic, Norse, Asian & Persian) · Chapter 1

  • Among the many packages falling to his share, there were two of a shape that suggested the possibility of more tin soldiers.

    The Soul of a Child · Edwin Björkman · Chapter 1

  • Instantly he had resumed his natural shape, and going to the house, he knocked upon the door and asked for some supper.

    The Magic of Oz · L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum · Chapter 1

Nearby in the frequency table

1,540 actually1,541 instance1,542 particularly1,543 plenty 1,544 shape 1,545 terms1,546 weight1,547 aid1,548 attack

The whole table Read a book