Phrase guide

take shape

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To take a definite form.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively, intransitive, often

Examples

  • After two hours of discussion, our plans began to take shape.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

develop into a distinctive entity

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • our plans began to take shape

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: form, take form, spring

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: become

Narrower terms: regenerate

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

18 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 成型 (chéngxíng) — take a definite form
  • Chinese Mandarin: 成形 (chéngxíng) — take a definite form
  • Chinese Mandarin: 形成 (xíngchéng) — take a definite form
  • Dutch: vorm krijgen — take a definite form
  • Finnish: muotoutua — take a definite form
  • French: prendre forme — take a definite form
  • German: Gestalt annehmen — take a definite form
  • German: sich formen — take a definite form
  • Japanese: 形をとる (katachi o toru) — take a definite form
  • Polish: przyjmować kształt — take a definite form
  • Polish: przyjąć kształt — take a definite form
  • Polish: kształtować się — take a definite form
  • Polish: ukształtować się — take a definite form
  • Spanish: perfilarse — take a definite form
  • Spanish: tomar forma — take a definite form
  • Spanish: coger forma — take a definite form
  • Spanish: agarrar forma — take a definite form
  • Turkish: şekil almak — take a definite form