shipshape

/'ʃipʃeip/

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Word: Shipshape

Part of Speech: Adjective

Definition: The word "shipshape" means that something is tidy, organized, and in good condition. It describes places, objects, or situations that are neat and free from mess or disorder.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "shipshape" to describe a place or object that looks clean and well-organized.
• It is often used in contexts related to homes, offices, or any physical space.

Examples:

1. After cleaning the house, I made sure everything was shipshape before the guests arrived.
2. The office was shipshape, with all the papers filed and the desks cleared.

Advanced Usage:

You can also use "shipshape" in a more figurative sense to describe a situation that is well-managed or running smoothly. For example: - The project is shipshape, and we are on track to meet the deadline.

Word Variants:

• The word "shipshape" is primarily used in its adjective form. There are no commonly used variants, but you might encounter related phrases like "shipshape and Bristol fashion," which means something is tidy and in good order.

Different Meaning:

The origin of "shipshape" comes from maritime language, where it originally referred to the condition of a ship being in good order for sailing. In this context, it emphasizes not just appearance, but also readiness for action.

Synonyms:

• Neat
• Tidy
• Orderly
• Organized
• Trim

Idioms:

While "shipshape" itself is not part of a common idiom, it can be used in phrases like: - "Everything is shipshape and Bristol fashion," which means everything is perfectly in order.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific phrasal verbs associated with "shipshape," but you might use verbs like "clean up," "tidy up," or "organize" when talking about making something shipshape.

Summary:

"Shipshape" is a useful word to describe anything that is neat, organized, and in good condition.

Academic

Adjective

1. of places; characterized by order and neatness; free from disorder
   • even the barn was shipshape
   • a trim little sailboat

Synonyms

• trim
• well-kept