form

- definition

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

noun

/fɔː(r)m/

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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form
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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form
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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form
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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form
5
[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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form
1. a.
  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.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form
6
[countable] British a class at school
He was in my form at school.
She’s now in the sixth form.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of 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
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form
8
[uncountable] the structure of a piece of writing or music or a painting
The form of the novel is complex, with numerous flashbacks.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form

phrase

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.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of form

vocal fry

a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

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