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Molding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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molding

[ˈmoʊldɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

construction

A strip of material with a design or shape used to decorate or add structure to a surface.

Synonyms

border, edging, trim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
molding

Used in interior design or construction to refer to a decorative strip usually made of wood, plaster, or plastic that is used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decorative purposes.

  • We installed crown molding in the living room to add a touch of elegance
trim

Utilized in interior design and construction to refer to the materials or elements that finish or decorate the edges of a piece of furniture, room, or vehicle. Can also describe a state's physical fitness in common speech.

  • The carpenter added trim around the windows to enhance the room's appearance
edging

Often used in gardening or landscaping to describe the material or technique used to create a defined boundary between different areas, such as between a lawn and a flowerbed. Can also refer to a finishing strip at the edges of fabric.

  • They used brick as an edging to separate the walkway from the lawn
border

Commonly used in design, gardening, and geography to denote the edge or boundary of an area. Can also refer to a printed or drawn line around a page.

  • She planted flowers along the border of the garden

Examples of usage

  • The molding around the window added a touch of elegance to the room.
  • She chose a decorative molding for the ceiling to give the room a more finished look.
Context #2 | Noun

manufacturing

The process of shaping a raw material into a desired form by applying pressure or heat.

Synonyms

casting, forming, shaping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
molding

This is a duplicate entry and refers to the act of shaping material using a mold.

  • The potter spent hours molding the clay into intricate designs
  • Molding chocolate into different shapes is a fun activity
shaping

Generally used to describe giving a particular form or appearance, not necessarily using a mold.

  • The athlete was shaping his body through rigorous training
  • Shaping the future often involves making tough decisions
forming

Used generically to describe the creation of a specific shape or structure, often in manufacturing and engineering.

  • The machine is capable of forming metal sheets into various shapes
  • Forming concrete structures requires careful planning
casting

Commonly used in manufacturing or arts when pouring liquid material into a mold to harden into a specific shape.

  • The statue was made by casting bronze in a specially designed mold
  • Casting metal requires high temperatures and precise timing

Examples of usage

  • The molding of the plastic parts requires precision and expertise.
  • The metal molding is done by casting the molten metal into a mold.
Context #3 | Verb

behavior

Influence or shape (someone or something), especially in a positive way.

Synonyms

guide, influence, shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
molding

This word is often used in the context of physically forming or shaping materials, such as in manufacturing or artistic creation. It can also metaphorically describe the shaping of character or behavior.

  • The clay is still wet, so you can continue molding it into any shape you like.
  • Her experiences at the new job are molding her into a more confident person.
influence

This word is used when someone or something affects and changes someone's thoughts, behaviors, or decisions. It can have a neutral, positive, or negative connotation depending on the situation.

  • Her mentor's advice had a significant influence on her career path.
  • The media has a powerful influence over public opinion.
shape

Shape can be used both literally, to describe the form or outline of something, and metaphorically, to indicate the development or direction of something, such as an idea, policy, or person.

  • The sculptor spent hours perfecting the shape of his latest statue.
  • Early childhood experiences can shape an individual's personality.
guide

This word is typically used for providing direction, advice, or information to help someone reach a destination, understand a concept, or make decisions.

  • A good teacher will guide their students through the difficult parts of the curriculum.
  • We hired a tour guide to show us around the city.

Examples of usage

  • Parents play a crucial role in molding their children's values and beliefs.
  • Education is a powerful tool for molding young minds.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • Molding is used extensively in architecture to create decorative outlines on buildings and furniture.
  • In ceramics, molding involves shaping clay using specific forms, likened to crafting intricate designs.
  • Artists often use molding techniques to create sculptures, allowing for detailed textures and forms.

Manufacturing

  • Molding is a common process used in industries like plastics where materials are heated and poured into a mold to create objects.
  • Injection molding is a technological advancement that allows for mass production of complex shapes, such as toys and containers.
  • Casting is another form of molding, where liquid materials are poured into a mold and solidified, used in metalworking.

Psychology

  • The concept of molding can also refer to the shaping of individual behaviors and attitudes in psychology, akin to personal development.
  • In social learning theory, individuals often shape their behavior based on modeled actions from others, like parents or role models.
  • Molding in this context emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in influencing personal growth.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, molding clay into specific shapes is a tradition that represents community identity and artistry.
  • Ceramic molding techniques passed down through generations highlight the value of preserving cultural heritage.
  • Molding practices in various cultures, like pottery or carving, often symbolize connection to nature and the environment.

Origin of 'molding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'molding' comes from the Old French 'moldre,' which means to shape or to form.
  • In Latin, the root 'moldare' means 'to shape,' connecting the concept to physical and artistic creation.
  • Various spellings of 'molding' (like 'moulding') reflect regional differences in English, particularly British vs. American usage.

The word 'molding' originates from the Middle English 'mold', meaning soil or earth suitable for forming a shape. The term evolved to refer to the process of shaping or forming materials, both in construction and manufacturing. Over time, 'molding' came to encompass not only the physical act of shaping materials but also the figurative sense of influencing or shaping someone's character or behavior. Today, 'molding' is widely used in various contexts to describe the act of giving form or structure to something.

See also: mold, molded, molder, moldmaker, smolder, unmolded.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,155, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.