参考词典：Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary ，Collins Advanced Learner’s Dictionary。
今日学习单词：shape 。
Shape 是一个常见的词语，大家都知道它的意思是“形状，塑造”。第一次见这个词是高一时刚买 SONY 的 CD Walkman 时听的第一章专辑Backstreet Boys 的《Black & Blue》，其中有一首歌就叫 Shape of my heart。十几年前还有一个流行的健身方式叫“舍宾”，也是用“shaping”音译过来的，说白了就是塑身，塑型。今天查查字典，看看还有什么重要的义项。
作为名词：
1）the condition of something or someone (usually used with in)
He’s in better/worse shape now.
他现在状态不错/不行。
All the players are in top/excellent shape.
所有的球员都状态极佳。
可以看出 shape 可以表示人的“状态”，注意是condition，而不是state。shape 还有一个意思是指身体强壮或者身体健康，属于上述义项的引申义，比如out of shape，keep in shape等，这里不多赘述。
2）the way something is done: the form of something
They offered help in the shape of [=in the form of] a loan. [=the help they offered was a loan]
他们以贷款的方式提供帮助。
That behavior is not acceptable in any way, shape, or form. [=it is not at all acceptable]
这样的行为无论如何都是不可接受的。
3）a definite form or arrangement of something
The plan is finally taking shape.
计划终于成型了。
多说一句，Webster’s 的这个解释我其实看得不是很明白，“某事确定的形式和安排？”。赶紧查 Collins。Collins 关于 shape 的这个义项解释为：The shape of something that is planned or organized is its structure and character. (计划或组织的)框架，结构，特点，形式。这样看就明白多了。所以，词典只有一本，真的不够。
这么来看，刚才例句中take shape 是逐渐成型的意思。Collins 词典中对 take shape 的解释供参考：
When something takes shape, it develops or starts to appear in such a way that it becomes fairly clear what its final form will be.
作为动词：
1）to influence the development of (something): to help (something) become what it is
Schools shape the minds of future leaders.
学校塑造了未来领导者的思想。
Ads help shape public opinion.
广告影响公众的观念。
Most people think that the language we speak can shape the way we think.
很多人认为我们所讲的语言可以决定我们的思维方式。
2）to make (something, such as a plan) by a process of careful thought
They have shaped [=devised] a careful strategy for winning the election.
他们策划好一个谨慎的胜选策略。
重要短语：
shape up
1) to happen or develop in a particular way 进展，表现
Our plans are shaping up nicely.
我们的计划进展顺利。
2) a: to start behaving in a better or more acceptable way 端正行为
You’d better shape up and start studying.
你最好收收心，开始学习吧。
If he doesn’t shape up, he’s going to be fired.
如果他不端正态度，就会被开除。
提到了“开除”，不得不提非正式的美式英语经常用 shape up/ship out来表示“卷铺盖走人”。If you are told to shape up or ship out, you will have to leave your job, if you do not improve your behavior。同一短语不同语境下含义截然不同！
2) b: shape up (someone or something) or shape (someone or something) up: to cause (someone or something) to start behaving in a better or more acceptable way.
She has really shaped up the sales department.
她确实已经改善了销售部门的风貌。
3) to make your body stronger and healthier by exercising
这个就不用举例了吧？
最近重启了健身，抛弃了好高骛远、急于求成的想法，每天练习7分钟HIIT，再结合饮食结构调整，脂肪唰唰往下掉啊，来，造个句子：
Every small step I made will shape my shape. :-)
