Molded
/ˈmoʊldɪd/
verbadjectiveB1past tense, past participle
Definition
Molded means to shape or form something by pressing it into a mold (a hollow container) or by influencing it to take a specific form. It can also describe when something has been shaped or formed in a certain way, like clay molded into a statue or a person's character molded by experience.
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See It in Action
To shape a material by using a mold or by hand
- •The artist molded the clay into a beautiful vase.
- •The factory molded plastic parts for the toys.
- •She molded the dough into small balls before baking.
To influence or shape a person’s character, ideas, or behavior
- •His childhood experiences molded his views on life.
- •Teachers help mold young minds in school.
- •The environment molded her into a confident person.
(Adjective) Having been shaped or formed
- •The molded chocolate took the shape of a heart.
- •The molded plastic case fits perfectly around the phone.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "molded" like "made" or "shaped" (A1 words), but with the idea that the shape comes from a specific form or influence
- ✓Picture soft clay pressed into a statue mold, taking the exact shape of the mold
- ✓It's the feeling when you learn a new skill and your habits slowly take a new form
- ✓Sounds like "mold-ed" → imagine putting soft dough into a mold to make cookies shaped perfectly
- ✓Think of a potter shaping clay on a wheel, carefully molding it into a bowl
- ✓NOT like "grow" (which happens naturally), "molded" means something or someone actively shapes or influences the form
- ✓NOT like "broken" (damaged), "molded" means shaped carefully or intentionally
- ✓As an adjective, something molded has already been shaped or formed, like molded plastic parts
Try Other Words
- •Formed: made into a shape (Use when the focus is on the final shape, not the process)
- •Sculpted: shaped artistically, often by cutting or carving (Use when the shaping is artistic and detailed)
- •Influenced: changed or guided opinions or behavior (Use when talking about shaping a person's character or ideas)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: mold (root) + -ed (past tense suffix indicating completed action)
- •Etymology: From Old English "molde," meaning a hollow container used to shape something
- •Historical development: Originally used for shaping materials, later extended to mean shaping ideas or character
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical shaping (clay, plastic) and abstract shaping (influence on people or ideas)
- •Note: In American English, "molded" is common; British English often uses "moulded" with the same meaning
Reflect & Connect
•How can your experiences in life mold your personality or choices?
•Can something be molded without a physical mold? How does that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.The artist molded the clay ___ a statue using his hands and tools.
2.Her parents' advice molded her ___ strong values and beliefs.
3.Unlike natural growth, molded objects have a ___ shape created by a mold or force.
4.The chocolate was molded ___ a heart shape before cooling.
5.Teachers play an important role in molding ___ young students' minds.
6.The plastic parts are molded ___ machines in the factory.
7.When someone is molded by experience, it means their ___ or behavior changed over time.