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plasmare

to shape, to mould

verb plahz-MAH-reh Rare

Origin: From Latin plasmare, from Greek plassein (to mould).

Usage Note

Plasmare is used both literally (shaping clay or material) and figuratively (moulding a person's character or an organisation's culture): plasmare i giovani ('to shape young people'). It is a regular -are verb. The figurative use is the more common one in modern journalism and education contexts.

Examples

"L'educazione plasma il carattere di un bambino."

Natural Translation

Education shapes a child's character.

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