Suffix used in linguistics and grammar to denote a word form or inflectional type. Common in terms like 活用形 (conjugated form) and 基本形 (base form).
動詞の活用形を覚えるのは大変だ。
Memorizing the conjugated forms of verbs is tough.
この単語の基本形は何ですか。
What is the base form of this word?
In dictionaries, 形 is sometimes used as an abbreviation for 形容詞 (i-adjective).
form (as opposed to substance); outward appearance · format; style; manner · formality; ceremonial form · form; mode (philosophy) · form (mathematics)
formation; shaping; creation · repair (plastic surgery); replacement; -plasty
form; shape; figure · morph
shape; form
orthopedics; plastic surgery; cosmetic surgery · shaping; smoothing; fairing
transformation; deformation; modification; variation; metamorphosis
molding; shaping; forming; modeling
terrain; topography; geographical features
round shape; circle; circular form
fixed form; regular shape; set pattern · standard-size mail
beautiful face; beautiful looks · beauty; belle; handsome man
triangle
figure; shape; graphic
forming; shaping; fashioning · molding; casting; compacting · adult form
trace; sign; evidence
variant; variant form · heteromorphism; heteromorphy
wavy form; ripply shape · waveform
deformity; malformation · strange shape; unusual shape
solid; solid body
description; expression in words; figurative expression · grammatical modification; qualification · form; figure; appearance
formless; intangible; abstract
battle formation; military formation
linear
-gon
situation; state of affairs; prospects
quadrilateral; quadrangle; tetragon
same shape; isomorphism; same type; same pattern
tangible; material; concrete
lifeless body; corpse · framework; skeleton; remains · mere shell; empty form; dead letter
external form; outer shape; externals
The kanji 形 means 'shape' or 'form'. As a suffix, it derives from this meaning, used in linguistic terminology. The abbreviation sense comes from the first character of 形容詞.