- form
- [[t]fɔ͟ː(r)m[/t]]
♦forms, forming, formed
He contracted a rare form of cancer...
Doctors are willing to take some form of industrial action...
I am against hunting in any form.
2) N-COUNT: with supp, oft N of n When something can exist or happen in several possible ways, you can use form to refer to one particular way in which it exists or happens.Valleys often take the form of deep canyons...
They received a benefit in the form of a tax reduction...
In its present form, the law could lead to new injustices.
3) V-ERG When a particular shape forms or is formed, people or things move or are arranged so that this shape is made.A queue forms outside Peter's study...
[V n] They formed a circle and sang `Auld Lang Syne'...
...the form of the body.
5) N-COUNT: usu with supp You can refer to something that you can see as a form if you cannot see it clearly, or if its outline is the clearest or most striking aspect of it.She thought she'd never been so glad to see his bulky form.
6) VERB If something is arranged or changed so that it becomes similar to a thing with a particular structure or function, you can say that it forms that thing.[V n] These panels folded up to form a screen some five feet tall...
[V n] All the buildings have names and form a half circle.
7) VERB If something consists of particular things, people, or features, you can say that they form that thing.[V n] ...the articles that formed the basis of Randolph's book...
[V n] Cereals form the staple diet of an enormous number of people around the world.
8) VERB If you form an organization, group, or company, you start it.[V n] They tried to form a study group on human rights...
[V pron-refl into n] They formed themselves into teams.
9) V-ERG When something natural forms or is formed, it begins to exist and develop.The stars must have formed 10 to 15 billion years ago...
[be V-ed] Huge ice sheets were formed.
10) V-ERG If you form a relationship, a habit, or an idea, or if it forms, it begins to exist and develop.[V n] This should help him form a relationship with me...
[V n] She had formed the habit of giving herself freely to men...
An idea formed in his mind.
11) VERB If you say that something forms a person's character or personality, you mean that it has a strong influence on them and causes them to develop in a particular way.[V n] Anger at injustice formed his character.
Syn:12) N-UNCOUNT: usu supp N In sport, form refers to the ability or success of a person or animal over a period of time.His form this season has been brilliant...
Leconte showed good form.
13) N-COUNT A form is a paper with questions on it and spaces marked where you should write the answers. Forms usually ask you to give details about yourself, for example when you are applying for a job or joining an organization.You will be asked to fill in a form with details of your birth and occupation.
...application forms.
14) → See also sixth form15) PHRASE: usu PHR after v, v-link PHR If you say that it is bad form to behave in a particular way, you mean that it is rude and impolite. [BRIT, OLD-FASHIONED]It was thought bad form to discuss business on social occasions.
16) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that someone is in good form, you mean that they seem healthy and cheerful. [BRIT]17) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that someone is off form, you think they are not performing as well as they usually do. [BRIT]Syn:below par18) PHRASE: v-link PHR If you say that someone is on form, you think that they are performing their usual activity very well. [BRIT]Robert Redford is back on form in his new movie `Sneakers'.
19) PHRASE: V inflects When something takes form, it develops or begins to be visible.As plans took form in her mind, she realized the need for an accomplice...
The face of Mrs Lisbon took form in the dimness.
20) PHRASE: v PHR, PHR with cl If someone or something behaves true to form, they do what is expected and is typical of them.Before the train had left the outskirts of London he behaved true to form and began a conversation...
My luck was running true to form...
True to form, she kept her guests waiting for more than 90 minutes.
English dictionary. 2008.
