Origin:
1175–1225; Middle English forme < Old French < Latin fōrma form, figure, model, mold, sort, Medieval Latin: seat
Related formsform·a·ble, adjective
form·a·bly, adverb
half-formed, adjective
mis·form, verb
mis·formed, adjective
EXPANDnon·form, noun
non·form·ing, adjective
o·ver·formed, adjective
self-formed, adjective
sem·i·formed, adjective
sub·form, noun
un·der·form, noun
COLLAPSECan be confused: form, forum (see synonym note at
the current entry).
Synonyms
1. mold, cast, cut. Form, figure, outline, shape refer to an appearance that can be recognized.Form, figure, and shape are often used to mean an area defined by contour without regard to other identifying qualities, as color or material. Outline refers to the line that delimits a form, figure, or shape: the outline of a hill. Form often includes a sense of mass or volume: a solid form. Shape may refer to an outline or a form: an “S” shape; a woman's shape. Figure often refers to a form or shape determined by its outline: the figure eight. Form and shape may also be applied to abstractions: the shape or form of the future. Form is applied to physical objects, mental images, methods of procedure, etc.; it is a more inclusive term than either shape or figure: the form of a cross, of a ceremony, of a poem. 5. model, pattern, jig. 9. sort, kind, order, type. 14. ceremony, ritual, formula, formality, rule. 16. blank. 19, 20. system, mode, practice, formula. 31. model, fabricate, mold, forge, cast, outline. 32. create. 34. systematize, dispose. 39. teach, educate, train.
Antonyms
1. substance.