model

n.

1. A person or thing worthy of imitation

   paragon, archetype, prototype, exemplar, pattern, paradigm, ideal, role model, beau ideal, good example, shining example, hero, heroine, idol, demigod, saint, epitome, mirror; see also paragon.

2. Anything that is copied

   original, example, pattern, standard, precedent, archetype, prototype, type, paradigm, text, guide, design, mold, criterion, rule, touchstone, gauge, ideal, shape, form, specimen, exemplar, principle, basis, sketch, antetype; see also criterion.

3. A duplicate on a small scale

   miniature, image, illustration, representation, reduction, statue, statuette, figure, figurine, effigy, idol, mock-up, skeleton, portrait, photograph, relief, print, engraving; see also copy, duplicate.

4. One who poses professionally

   poser, sitter, manikin, mannequin; see nude.

   Kinds of models include: portrait, artist's, fashion, sculptor's, photographic.

model refers to a representation made to be copied or, more generally, to any person or thing to be followed or imitated because of excellence, worth, etc.; example suggests that which is presented as a sample, or that which sets a precedent for imitation, whether good or bad; a pattern is a model, guide, plan, etc. to be strictly followed; paradigm can refer to an example that serves as a model, but is uncommon now except in its grammatical sense of an example of a declension or conjugation giving all the inflectional forms of a word; archetype applies to the original pattern serving as the model for all later things of the same kind or to a typical or perfect example of a type; standard refers to something established for use as a rule or a basis of comparison in judging quality, value, etc.

model

v.

1. To form

   shape, mold, fashion; see create 2, form 1.

2. To imitate a model

   copy, trace, duplicate, sketch, reduce, represent, print, die, counterfeit, caricature, parody, burlesque, steal one's stuff*, register*; see also illustrate 1, paint 1.

3. To serve as a model

   sit, act as model, set an example; see pose 2.

4. To demonstrate

   show, show off, wear, parade, pose in; see also display 1.