Model
v.capable, thoughtfulprofessional
What it means
To demonstrate a behavior, process, or standard that others can observe and follow.
Reach for it when crediting example-setting through visible conduct rather than instruction alone
Senior staff model calm communication during emergency drills.
Choose between these
9- everyday
practice
when consistently doing the behavior matters
not when Practice does not necessarily make the behavior visible or teachable to others.
- everyday
show
when plain visible illustration is enough
not when Show is broad and may involve display rather than lived example.
- warm
lead by example
when a leader's own conduct supports the requested standard
not when The phrase applies to leadership and can become a cliché without a concrete action.
- warm
set an example
when conduct gives others a practical standard to follow
not when The phrase can sound moralizing and may imply others should copy one style.
- professional
demonstrate
when showing how something works is the direct action
not when A demonstration can be one-off and need not embody the behavior consistently.
- professional
illustrate
when an example clarifies a principle or method
not when Illustration can be hypothetical and does not require personal conduct.
- professional
when explicitly performing the function of a role model
not when The hyphenated verb is less natural than model or set an example.
- formal
embody
when a person or practice gives concrete form to a value
not when Embody is a stronger identity claim and need not help others reproduce the behavior.
- formal
exemplify
when conduct serves as a particularly clear instance of a quality
not when Exemplify describes being an example, not intentionally teaching through it.
Said against
3- contradict
- discourage
- misrepresent
It naturally appears in
3- model behavior
Adults model behavior even when they do not intend to teach.
- model good practice
The supervisor will model good practice before observing each trainee.
- model respect
Leaders model respect by answering the difficult question directly.
Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, verb sense: to serve as or provide a model opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.