B2adjective2K

Shaped

UK /["/ʃeɪpt/"]/US /["/ʃeɪpt/"]/

Definition

having the type of shape mentioned

In simple words: molded into a specific form or design

Examples

  • a huge balloon **shaped like** a giant cow
  • almond-shaped eyes
  • an L-shaped room
  • All the rooms in the house were awkwardly shaped.
  • Donkeys' hoofs are shaped differently from horses'.
  • You can buy specially shaped bricks for an arch.
  • an oddly shaped parcel
  • her beautifully shaped mouth
  • a lovely little silver brooch shaped like a rose

Usage notes

Use 'shaped' when describing how something is formed or organized. It is appropriate in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it for abstract ideas; it works better for physical objects.

Grammar pattern

shaped + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'shape' being carved from a block of clay, forming it into something new.

Collocations

  • be
  • beautifully
  • perfectly
  • differently
  • be shaped like something

Synonyms

  • molded
  • formed
  • configured
  • constructed
  • designed

Antonyms

  • unshaped
  • formless

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'shape' as a noun vs 'shaped' as a verb
  • Using 'shaped' in contexts where 'designed' would be better
  • Forget to specify what is shaped