Word: molded (verb)

Associations

The word "molded" refers to shaping or forming something into a particular structure or design. It often implies using a mold or a specific form to create an object.

• Example 1: "The artist molded the clay into a beautiful sculpture." This shows how the artist shaped the clay.
• Example 2: "The cake was molded in a round pan." Here, it describes shaping the cake using a specific form.
• Example 3: "He molded his ideas into a clear presentation." In this case, it means he shaped his thoughts into a structured format.

A well-known synonym for "molded" is "shaped." The main difference is that "shaped" can refer to any form or design, while "molded" usually implies the use of a mold or specific technique.

Substitution

Other words that can be used instead of "molded" include:

• "formed" - This is a general term that means to create or shape something.
• "crafted" - This implies a skillful creation, often by hand.
• "fashioned" - This suggests creating something with careful design and style.

Using these substitutes can slightly change the meaning. For instance, "crafted" emphasizes skill, while "formed" is more neutral.

Deconstruction

The word "molded" comes from the root "mold," which means a hollow form used to give shape to something. The suffix "-ed" indicates that it is in the past tense, meaning the action has already happened.

Historically, molding has been used in various crafts, such as pottery and metalworking, where materials are shaped to create useful or artistic objects.

Inquiry

• Can you think of something you have molded or shaped in your life? What was it, and how did you do it?
• How might the word "molded" change if you used it in a different context, like in a metaphorical sense (e.g., "molded by experiences")?
• What other materials do you think can be molded, and in what ways?