What does remolding mean?
Remolding means shaping or forming something again, with the emphasis on changing its existing form, character, or direction. The word is especially useful for discussing the reshaping of a person’s outlook or reputation, as when an experience is said to remold someone’s character. It can also describe the transformation of institutions, organizations, or public opinion. Unlike the more general term “remaking,” remolding often suggests that the underlying material remains recognizable while its shape or qualities are substantially changed. The verb is formal in tone and is less common in casual speech, though it can be vivid in historical, political, or literary contexts. American spelling uses “remold,” while British usage commonly favors “remould.” Overall, the word conveys patient, consequential transformation rather than a minor adjustment.
verbTo shape or form again, especially by changing something that already exists. It often refers to reshaping a person's character, reputation, circumstances, or public image.
- To shape or form something again.
- To change or reshape a person's character, reputation, or public image.
- To change the form, structure, or direction of an existing institution, organization, or body of opinion.
"The committee worked to remold public opinion before the vote."
"Years of hardship gradually remolded him into a more patient person."
"The campaign sought to remold the public image of the organization."
One word can mean both rebuilding from the inside and changing someone's public image: the transformation of remolding.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remolding come from?
“Remolding” is formed in English by combining the prefix “re-” with “mold,” meaning to shape or form. Its sense of making a new form preserves the older sense of molding material, while the prefix indicates that the shaping is repeated or applied to something already formed. The spelling with “mould” reflects the traditional British form of the base word.
Related word forms
How remolding is actually used
In American English, “remold” is normally spelled with -mold-. British English more commonly uses “remould” and “remoulding.” The word is formal and often carries a connotation of fundamental or complete transformation.
Easily confused with remolding
Remolding suggests reshaping the essential character or form of something, whereas remodeling often emphasizes structural or cosmetic changes to a building, object, or institution.