Meaning & use
modeled
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“modeled” is a form of “model”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
Made or designed something by copying the pattern of something else, often followed by on or after.
Grammar: Past tense and participle of model; takes an object and often on: modeled the plan on a successful one.
Patterns
- modeled something on something
- modeled after something
The architect modeled the library on an ancient Roman bath.
Her business was modeled after a successful chain in Denmark.
The new law was modeled on rules already used in Canada.
verbtransitive
Showed good or typical behavior so that others could learn by watching it.
Grammar: Takes an object: she modeled calm behavior for the students.
Patterns
- modeled something for someone
The teacher modeled polite disagreement during the class debate.
Parents who modeled patience usually raised calmer children.
He modeled the technique first, then let the trainees try it.
verbtransitive or intransitive
Wore clothes or displayed products for a photographer, an audience or customers.
Grammar: Can take an object (modeled swimwear) or stand alone (modeled in Paris).
Patterns
- modeled for someone
- modeled something
She modeled winter coats for a local catalog.
He modeled for a famous sculptor when he was a student.
The students modeled their own designs on the runway.
verbtransitivetechnical
Built a mathematical or computer representation of a system to study how it works.
Grammar: Takes an object: they modeled the spread of the disease.
Patterns
- modeled something using something
Scientists modeled the river's flow using satellite data.
The team modeled several traffic scenarios before opening the road.
Economists modeled the effect of the tax change on prices.
Word forms
| base form | model |
|---|---|
| third person singular | models |
| -ing form | modeling |
Common combinations
- modeled on
- The festival was modeled on a similar event in Edinburgh.
- modeled after
- Her style is modeled after her favorite novelists.
- modeled behavior
- Children copy the behavior that adults have modeled.
- modeled the effects
- Researchers modeled the effects of heavier rainfall.
- modeled for a magazine
- He modeled for a hiking magazine one summer.
Synonyms and how they differ
- copied
- Copied implies reproducing something closely, while modeled on suggests using it as a guide and adapting it.
- patterned
- Patterned is more formal and usually used with after, and it implies following a design rather than a person's behavior.
- demonstrated
- Demonstrated fits showing how to do a task, but modeled adds that the viewers are expected to imitate it.
- simulated
- Simulated fits computer or lab reproductions of events, whereas modeled can also mean building a simplified system.
Word family
Commonly confused: modeled or modelled?
modeled vs modelled
Modelled is the British spelling of the same word; American English uses a single l.
Practice
The new community center was ___ on a successful project in Portland.
Choose one answer.
Modeled on means designed by following another example. Molded means shaped physically, which does not fit the pattern with on.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “modeled”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.