I'm wondering what 形 and 形程度 mean in the following conversation. I know that 形 can be used quite figuratively but I never got a good feel for it.
A: しかしリーダーといっても形程度のことだろう？
B: 形で判断されることもあるでしょ？
1 Answer
「[形]{かたち}」, here, means "token" or "by name only".
A: "It's nothing more than a token leader, is it?"
B: "(But) you get judged by your name at times, y'know."
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Thank you! Does this correspond with a specific dictionary definition of the word?– eternalApr 13, 2015 at 0:50
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2I doubt it as I used no dictionary in answering this question. We (J-speakers) often use 形 to mean "token ~~" as opposed to "real ~~".– user4032Apr 13, 2015 at 1:26
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You find the definition in this way at Point 2 (イ) of 形・かたち like noted here: kotobank.jp/word/%E5%BD%A2-463191 Apr 13, 2015 at 1:47