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verb

formare

form

Definition & meaning

Formare means to form, create, or shape something. It can also mean:

  • To make up or constitute: several elements form a whole.
  • To train or educate: to develop someone’s skills or character.
  • In the reflexive form, to develop or take shape: clouds, ideas, or groups can form.

Grammar & Word origin

Formare is a regular -are verb. It generally takes a direct object, though its reflexive form, formarsi , is used for something that develops or takes shape.

It comes from Latin formare, “to shape or fashion,” from forma, “shape” or “form.”

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • creare — “to create”; emphasizes bringing something into existence.
  • modellare — “to shape” or “model”; emphasizes giving something a particular form.
  • costituire — “to constitute”; emphasizes making up a whole.
  • educare — “to educate”; focuses on teaching and upbringing.

Antonyms:

  • disfare — “to undo” or “take apart.”
  • distruggere — “to destroy,” a stronger opposite of creating.

Common phrases & collocations

  • formare un gruppo — to form a group.
  • formare il personale — to train staff.
  • formarsi un’opinione — to form an opinion.
  • formare una famiglia — to start a family.

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Examples

Gli studenti vogliono formare un gruppo di studio.verb

The students want to form a study group.

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