Shapes suggest forms.

Meaning: This means that shapes can give you an idea of what something looks like without actually showing it. It's like saying, When you look at a cubist painting, the shapes suggest the form of a person or an object, but they don't show it realistically.

Choice of Words: Shapes refer to the external outline or appearance of something. Suggest is a verb that means to propose or indicate something indirectly. Forms refer to the visible shape or configuration of something. So, shapes can suggest the shape or form of something without showing it directly.

Alternative Expressions

Shapes hint at forms.

Meaning: This means that the shapes are giving us a sneak peek into what the object might look like as a whole.

Choice of Words: Hint means to give a subtle clue or suggestion. Forms are the basic structure or outline of something. When you say "Shapes hint at forms," you are suggesting that the shapes are giving clues about the underlying structure of something.

Shapes imply forms.

Meaning: This is similar to the previous example, but it's a bit stronger. It means that the shapes are not just giving us a sneak peek, but they are actually giving us a pretty good idea of what the object might look like.

Choice of Words: Imply means to suggest something without directly stating it. Forms are the basic structure or outline of something. When you say "Shapes imply forms," you are suggesting that the shapes are hinting at the underlying structure of something.

Related Expressions