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| Date: | 1200-1300 |
| Language: | Old French |
| Origin: | forme, from Latin forma, perhaps from Greek morphe 'form, shape' |
Related topics:
1 a particular type of something that exists in many different varieties 
the art forms of the twentieth century
type
[countable]the art forms of the twentieth century2 the way something is or appears to be : We oppose racism in all its forms.
way something is/appears
[countable]We oppose racism in all its forms.3 a shape
shape
[countable] form of the shadowy forms of the divers swimming below the boat
the shadowy forms of the divers swimming below the boat in the form of something The main staircase was in the form of a big 'S'.
The main staircase was in the form of a big 'S'.4 an official document with spaces where you write information, especially about yourself :
document
[countable] fill in/out a form (=write the answers to the questions on a form) Fill in the form and send it back with your cheque.
Fill in the form and send it back with your cheque.5 the structure of a work of art or piece of writing, rather than the ideas it expresses, events it describes etc : the distinction between form and content
art/literature
[uncountable]Athe distinction between form and content6 how well a sports person, team, musician etc is performing, or has performed recently : I have been greatly encouraged by the team's recent form. He had no qualms about dropping players he thought were off form (=not performing well).
performance
[uncountable]DSI have been greatly encouraged by the team's recent form.He had no qualms about dropping players he thought were off form (=not performing well).8 a way of writing or saying a word that shows its number, tense etc. For example, 'was' is a past form of the verb 'to be'.
grammar
[countable]SLG9 if someone has form, they are known to the police because they have committed crimes in the past
criminal record
[uncountable] British English informal10 behaviour that is considered to be socially unacceptable [= bad manners]: It used to be considered bad form to talk about money.
bad form
old-fashionedIt used to be considered bad form to talk about money.11 a way of expressing something official [= wording]: The precise form of words has been agreed by the 12 heads of government.
form of words
The precise form of words has been agreed by the 12 heads of government.12 to be full of confidence and energy, so that you do something well or talk in an interesting or amusing way : Michelle was in great form at last week's conference.
be in good/fine/great etc form
also be on good/fine/great etc form British EnglishMichelle was in great form at last week's conference.13
take form
a) to begin to exist or develop : The womb represents the very first place in which life takes form.
The womb represents the very first place in which life takes form.b) to start to become a particular shape : As the men worked, I watched the ship's hull take form.
As the men worked, I watched the ship's hull take form.