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Shaping Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shaping

[ˈʃeɪpɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical appearance

The way that someone or something looks; the physical form or appearance of someone or something.

Synonyms

appearance, figure, form, outline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shaping

Used when referring to the process of forming or molding something into a particular shape.

  • The artist spent hours shaping the clay into a beautiful vase
  • The coach focused on shaping the team for the upcoming game
appearance

Refers to the way something or someone looks, usually in terms of what is visible or perceivable.

  • Her appearance at the party was unexpected
  • The building has a modern appearance that stands out in the old neighborhood
form

Used to describe the visible shape or configuration of something, or to refer to a particular type or variant.

  • The sculpture took the form of a majestic eagle
  • Please fill out this form and return it by tomorrow
figure

Can refer to the shape or form of the human body, as well as to numerical representations.

  • She has a slim figure
  • The company reported impressive sales figures last quarter
outline

Describes the outer edge or contour of a shape, often used in a more abstract or figurative sense.

  • The outline of the mountain was visible against the sunset
  • Could you outline your main points for the presentation?

Examples of usage

  • She was always conscious of her physical shaping.
  • His shaping was admired by many in the fashion industry.
Context #2 | Verb

molding or forming

To mold or form into a particular shape; to give a particular form or structure to something.

Synonyms

form, model, mold, sculpt.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shaping

Used when describing the process of giving something a particular form or shape, often in a continuous or developing manner.

  • The wind was shaping the sand dunes
  • Her experiences were shaping her personality
mold

Used when shaping a material (such as clay or plastic) by pouring it into a predefined container or mold. Can also convey the idea of strongly influencing someone's character or habits.

  • He poured the liquid into the mold to form the toy
  • Her mentor helped mold her career
form

General term for the visible shape or configuration of something; also used in more abstract contexts to describe the structure or arrangement of something.

  • The form of the sculpture was elegant
  • He filled out the application form
sculpt

Specifically used for shaping materials like stone, metal, or clay into a work of art by carving or chiseling.

  • She decided to sculpt a statue out of marble
  • The artist carefully sculpted the figure's face
model

Refers to creating a small-scale representation or prototype of something. Often used in planning, design, or teaching contexts.

  • The architect made a model of the new building
  • She modeled the dress for the fashion show

Examples of usage

  • She spent hours shaping the clay into a beautiful vase.
  • He is skilled at shaping metal into intricate designs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • In sculpture, shaping is a fundamental process, where artists physically alter materials like stone or metal to create their vision.
  • Famous artist Michelangelo believed that every piece of marble contained a statue within, and his task was merely to 'shape' it out.

Psychology

  • Shaping is a behavioral technique used in psychology where successive approximations to a desired behavior are reinforced.
  • This method can help in teaching new skills, especially in children, by rewarding small steps towards the final goal.

Engineering

  • In engineering, shaping materials like metals and plastics is critical; techniques such as forging and molding create specific parts.
  • Modern technology allows computer-aided design software to simulate shaping processes, improving precision and efficiency.

Community and Culture

  • Shaping community values can influence societal norms; leaders often play a crucial role in guiding cultural identities.
  • Urban planning involves shaping cities to foster better living conditions, balancing nature and infrastructure.

Origin of 'shaping'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sceapan' meaning 'to create' or 'to form', and has roots in Germanic languages.
  • In Middle English, 'shape' referred not just to form but also to the act of making or creating something.

The word 'shaping' has its origins in the Old English word 'scapian', which means 'to create or form'. Over time, the word evolved to 'shaping' in Middle English, with the meaning of molding or forming into a particular shape. The concept of shaping has been integral to various crafts and industries throughout history, from pottery to metalworking.

See also: mishapen, misshape, misshaping, reshape, reshaping, shape, shaped, shapeless, shapely, shaper, shapes, unshaped.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,422 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.