WHEN A SHAPE LOSES SHAPE. THE MEANING OF SHAPE AND ITS SYNONYMS IN ENGLISH AND POLISH

Abstract

The paper analyses the meaning of the term shape and its (partial) synonyms form and figure in English, as well as their Polish equivalents kształt, forma and figura. The nouns are proven to be polysemous, with some of the meanings not related to the idea of shape. English – Polish equivalence is partial, as a sign of common human experience. In some cases, cross-equivalence can be observed, while, in some other cases, no equivalence is observed.