形态 xíngtài shape
shape; form; pattern; morphology
How to remember 形态: 形 form + 态 attitude = shape.
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How it is used
- Form / shape / morphology - the configuration something takes: 意识形态 (yìshí xíngtài) ideology, 各种形态 (various forms).
- Refers to the manifested shape or state of a thing; also a linguistics/biology term (morphology).
- 意识形态 (ideology) is a key fixed compound. Compare 形状 (xíngzhuàng, concrete shape).