form: usually suggests reference to BOTH internal structure and external outline and often the principle that gives unity to the whole: an architect who appreciates the interplay of ~s.  



figure: applies chiefly to the form as determined by bounding or enclosing outlines: cutting doll ~s out of paper.


shape: like figure, suggests an outline but carries a stronger implication of the enclosed body or mass: the ~ of the monument was pyramidal.


conformation: implies a complicated structure composed of harmoniously related parts: a ~ that is proportioned and symmetrical.


configuration: refers to the pattern formed by the disposition and arrangement of component parts: modular furniture allows for a number of ~s.  （pattern模式，表示清晰详细的典型原型suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype，如American industry sets a pattern for others to follow美国工业为其他国家树立了可供模仿的模式） （component组件，强调该组成部分是有独立的，可以区分出来stress separate identity and distinguishable character of the elements，如able to identify every component of his firearm可以辨别出枪的每个组件）  


form形式: 同时表示内部结构和外部线条，以及将二者联合在一起的原则，figure形状:  指外围界线所决定的form形式，shape形状:  也是指外围界线，但和figure相比，也指内部物体物质，conformation构造:  表示复杂的结构，由相互关联的部分协调组成， configuration配置布局: 表示形成了模式，即各个组件的布置布局方式


记忆方法: 1）首字母ffscc想成长方是长方<==形状           在古代，地上事物的外观叫做形，如地形，天上事物的外观称作象，如天象，现在统一用形象表示外观，形状里的状表示状态state，状态是属性的集合state is the sum of qualities

         2）形状的意思是事物的外部形象mean outward appearance.