What does remoulding mean?
Remoulding means changing or reshaping something, with the suggestion that the result will be substantially different from what existed before. The literal sense involves giving an object a new form, while the figurative sense is especially common in discussions of education, politics, institutions, and social change. It is a formal word, more forceful and deliberate than simply changing or improving something, and the metaphor often carries an implication of transformation at a fundamental level. In British spelling, it is written “remoulding,” matching “mould”; American spelling commonly uses “remolding.” The verb is “remould,” with the present participle “remoulding” and past tense “remoulded.” Remoulding is especially useful when describing an active process of reshaping people, systems, or ideas rather than merely modifying one small detail.
verb (present participle and gerund)Remoulding means shaping or changing something again, especially by putting it into a new form or improving its structure. It can also refer metaphorically to changing people, institutions, or ideas so that they develop in a different way.
- To shape or change something again so that it has a new form or improved structure.
- To change people, institutions, or ideas so that they develop in a different way.
"The programme aims at remoulding the local economy by supporting small businesses and emerging industries."
"The new curriculum is intended to remould the way students approach science."
"After months of consultation, the council is remoulding the city's transport system."
The spelling “remoulding” preserves a distinctly British trail: its extra “u” belongs to the same British convention seen in “mould” and “colour.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remoulding come from?
The word is formed from the prefix re-, meaning again, and mould. The older word mould traces through Old French to Latin molle, meaning soft, reflecting the material's original malleability. In remoulding, the literal idea of shaping something again developed into the figurative sense of transforming institutions, characters, or social structures.
Related word forms
How remoulding is actually used
The word is formal and somewhat literary in contemporary English. “Remolding” is the usual spelling in American English, although “remoulding” is also understood there. The metaphorical sense, especially when applied to society or people's character, can sound deliberately transformative or idealistic.
Easily confused with remoulding
Remoulding emphasizes giving something a new form or structure, while remodeling often focuses specifically on improving or redesigning a building or similar physical object.