Shape vs. Form 

"Shape" vs. "Form" in English

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both refer to the external structure of something. However, 'shape' indicates a two-dimensional view, and only shows the length and the width. We can see the shapes of circles, triangles, squares, etc. easily. 'Form', on the other hand, indicates a three-dimensional view that shows the length, the width, and the depth. Examples are cubes, cones, etc.

Differences

As mentioned above, 'shape' indicates a two-dimensional view and it includes the length and the width. Look at the examples below:

Example

This is an example of a circle. Its length and width are clear. Note that it is a two-dimensional view.

'Form', however, offers us a three-dimensional view. It includes the length, width and the depth of the object. Check out the following examples:

Example

This is a sphere. As you can see, it we can calculate its depth. Note that we have a three-dimensional view.

Similarities

Both refer to particular objects that have different lengths and widths. Look at the examples below:

Example

Here, we have a triangle vs. a cone.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although they are both used in similar contexts, they cannot be used interchangeably because 'shape' refers to two-dimensional objects, whereas, 'form' refers to three-dimensional objects. Compare:

Example

As you can see, on the left we have a square, and on the right we have a cube.

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