form ◆◆◆ /fɔː r m/ (forms , forming , formed )
1 N‑COUNT A form of something is a type or kind of it. □ [+ of ] He contracted a rare form of cancer. □ [+ of ] Doctors are willing to take some form of industrial action. □ I am against hunting in any form.
2 N‑COUNT 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. □ [+ of ] Valleys often take the form of deep canyons. □ [+ of ] They received a benefit in the form of a tax reduction.
3 VERB When a particular shape forms or is formed , people or things move or are arranged so that this shape is made. □ [V ] A queue forms outside Peter's study. □ [V n] They formed a circle and sang 'Auld Lang Syne'. □ [V + into ] The General gave orders for the cadets to form into lines. [Also V n + into ]
4 N‑COUNT The form of something is its shape. □ …the form of the body.
5 N‑COUNT 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.
7 VERB If something consists of particular things, people, or features, you can say that they form that thing. □ [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 ] They formed themselves into teams.
9 VERB When something natural forms or is formed , it begins to exist and develop. □ [V ] The stars must have formed 10 to 15 billion years ago. □ [be V -ed] Huge ice sheets were formed.
10 VERB 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 lasting relationships. □ [V ] 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.
12 N‑UNCOUNT 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.
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 form
15 PHRASE 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 If you say that someone is in good form , you mean that they seem healthy and cheerful. [BRIT ]
17 PHRASE If you say that someone is off form , you think they are not performing as well as they usually do. [BRIT ]
18 PHRASE If you say that someone is on form , you think that they are performing their usual activity very well. [BRIT ] □ The Booker prizewinner is back on form in this likable tale.
19 PHRASE 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 If someone or something behaves true to form , they do what is expected and is typical of them. □ My luck was running true to form. □ True to form, she kept her guests waiting for more than 90 minutes. SYNONYMS form NOUN 1
type: …several types of lettuce.
kind: The party needs a different kind of leadership.
sort: What sort of school did you go to?
variety: She has 12 varieties of old-fashioned roses.
for|mal ◆◆◇ /fɔː r m ə l/ (formals )
1 ADJ Formal speech or behaviour is very correct and serious rather than relaxed and friendly, and is used especially in official situations. □ He wrote a very formal letter of apology to Douglas. □ Business relationships are necessarily a bit more formal. ● for|mal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ He took her back to Vincent Square in a taxi, saying goodnight formally on the doorstep. ● for|mal|ity N‑UNCOUNT □ Lillith's formality and seriousness amused him.
2 ADJ [ADJ n] A formal action, statement, or request is an official one. □ U.N. officials said a formal request was passed to American authorities. □ No formal announcement had been made. ● for|mal|ly ADV [ADV with v] □ Diplomats haven't formally agreed to Anderson's plan.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Formal occasions are special occasions at which people wear smart clothes and behave according to a set of accepted rules. □ One evening the film company arranged a formal dinner after the play. ● N‑COUNT Formal is also a noun. □ …a wide array of events, including school formals and speech nights, weddings, and balls.