1. Any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
   "he could barely make out their forms";
   - shape, configuration, contour, conformation
    
2. The spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its substance
   "geometry is the mathematical science of form";
   - shape
    
3. A category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
   "sculpture is a form of art";
   - kind, sort, variety
    
4. A perceptual structure
   "the composition presents problems for students of musical form";
   - shape, pattern
    
5. The physical body of a human being
   "Leonardo studied the form";
   - human body, physical body, material body, soma, build, figure, physique, anatomy, shape, bod [informal], chassis [informal], frame
    
6. (linguistics) the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
   "the inflected forms of a word can be represented by a stem and a list of inflections to be attached"; "The word forms 'run', 'runs', 'ran', and 'running' all belong to the same lexeme";
   - word form, signifier, descriptor
    
7. The visual appearance of something or someone
   "the delicate form of his features";
   - shape, cast
    
8. An arrangement of the elements in a composition or discourse
   "the essay was in the form of a dialogue"; "he first sketches the plot in outline form"
    
9. A particular mode in which something is manifested
   "his resentment took the form of extreme hostility"
    
10. A printed document with spaces in which to write
    "he filled out his tax form"
     
11. An ability to perform well
    "he was at the top of his form"; "the team was off form last night"
     
12. (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
    "a new form of microorganisms";
    - variant, strain
     
13. (physical chemistry) a distinct state of matter in a system; matter that is identical in chemical composition and physical state and separated from other material by the phase boundary
    "the reaction occurs in the liquid form of the system";
    - phase
     
14. A body of students who are taught together
    "The entire form attended the assembly";
    - class, grade [N. Amer], course
     
15. A life-size dummy used to display clothes
    "The store window featured several forms showcasing the latest fashion trends";
    - mannequin, manikin, mannikin, manakin [non-standard]
     
16. A mould for setting concrete
    "they built elaborate forms for pouring the foundation"

1. Give shape or form to
   "form the young child's character";
   - shape
    
2. Bring together into a structured whole; establish an organization
   "They formed a company"; "social groups form everywhere";
   - organize, organise [Brit]
    
3. To compose or represent
   "This wall forms the background of the stage setting";
   - constitute, make
    
4. Develop into a distinctive entity
   "our plans began to form";
   - take form, take shape, spring
    
5. Make something, usually for a specific function
   "Form cylinders from the dough";
   - shape, work, mold [N. Amer], mould [Brit, Cdn], forge
    
6. Assume a form or shape
   "the water formed little beads"
    
7. Establish or impress firmly in the mind
   "The experience formed lasting memories";
   - imprint

1. (forming an adjective) having the form of, similar to
   - -like

Derived forms: forming, formed, forms

See also: crooked, straight

Type of: ability, act upon, alter, appearance, assemblage, attribute, be, become, body, cast, category, change, comprise, constitute, create, doc [informal], document, dummy, fashion, gathering, genre, influence, literary genre, make, make from scratch, make up, manner, mode, modify, mold [N. Amer], mould [Brit, Cdn], organic structure, papers, represent, spatial property, spatiality, state, state of matter, structure, style, taxon, taxonomic category, taxonomic group, visual aspect, way, word, work, writing style, written document

Part of: homo, human, human being, individual, man, mortal, percept, perception, perceptual experience, person, somebody, someone, soul, species

Encyclopedia: Form, fit and function