form */*/*/

I UK [fɔː(r)m] / US [fɔrm] noun
Word forms "form":
singular form plural forms

1) [countable] a type of something

form of:

The car is by far the most popular form of transport.

He developed a rare form of cancer.

Everyone agrees that the kids must receive some form of punishment.

2) [countable/uncountable] the particular way in which something appears or exists

The information is also available in electronic form.

in the form of:

You can get the medicine in the form of a nasal spray or as a tablet.

Help arrived in the form of six heavily armed police officers.

take the form of:

The aid might take the form of food or medical supplies.

Neglect of children can take a variety of forms.

3) [countable] a shape of someone or something

She stared at the lifeless form on the driveway.

Three forms gradually emerged out of the darkness.

4) [countable] an official document that has spaces where you can put in information

Use the order form to get new office supplies.

fill in/out a form:

Make sure you fill in the application form completely and legibly.

5)

a) [uncountable] the level of someone's ability at a particular time, especially in a sport

Williams blames a foot injury for her recent loss of form.

The band's new CD marks a welcome return to form (= to a previous high standard).

in/on (good etc) form:

She is hoping to be on top form in time for the Olympics.

b) British the state of someone's mood and health at a particular time

in good/bad etc form:

I saw Sam last night – he was in great form.

6) [countable] British a class at school

He was in my form at school.

She's now in the sixth form.

7) [countable] one part of a verb or other word that has several different parts

It's important to learn all the forms of a verb.

nouns like "child" that have irregular plural forms

8) [uncountable] the structure of a piece of writing or music or a painting

The form of the novel is complex, with numerous flashbacks.

•

in rare/top etc form — behaving or performing in a way that is especially clever, skilful, amusing etc

Toronto's outrageous mayor was in rare form during his speech last night.

See:

bad form

II UK [fɔː(r)m] / US [fɔrm] verb
Word forms "form":
present tense I/you/we/they form he/she/it forms present participle forming past tense formed past participle formed

1)

a) [intransitive] to make something exist or develop

A change in temperature may make moisture form on the windows.

A smile formed on his lips.

A plan began to form in her mind.

b) [transitive] to make something start to exist or develop

She formed a deep attachment to the child.

The valley was formed by erosion.

He has been with the club since it was first formed in 1972.

form an impression of:

The interview will give you a chance to form an impression of the company.

2)

a) [intransitive/transitive] to move together to create a particular shape

The boys and girls formed a line behind their teacher.

A dozen or so armed guards formed a ring around the exit.

b) [transitive] to make something into a particular shape

form something into something:

Roll the clay between your hands and form it into a ball.

3) [linking verb] to be something, or to be the parts that something consists of

Fieldwork forms an important part of the course.

Mountains form a natural barrier that keeps invaders out.

Land ownership formed the basis of their wealth and power.

4) [transitive] to influence the development of something

Her character was largely formed by the loss of her family in the war.

5) [transitive] to make one of the parts of a verb or other word that has several different parts

You normally add "-ing" to form the present participle of English verbs.

Phrasal verbs:

- form up