Model vs. Picture: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 5, 2023
Model is a three-dimensional representation of a thing or concept; a picture is a two-dimensional representation of visible objects.
Key Differences
A model is typically a three-dimensional representation of a structure or concept, intended to showcase an idea or a design, allowing for a detailed and tangible overview. Picture, on the other hand, is a two-dimensional image capturing a scene, object, or person, providing a visual representation of a moment in time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
While models are instrumental in fields like architecture and science to present detailed and scalable structures of buildings or molecules, pictures are universal, immortalizing moments, landscapes, and portraits, often evoking emotions and memories.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Models can also be abstract representations or mathematical formulations describing systems or relationships. In contrast, pictures primarily represent visual realities, though they can be manipulated to express artistic interpretations or illusions.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
In the realm of computing, a model can refer to a simulation or a structured framework describing a complex system or a process, while a picture can be a digital image or a graphic, displaying visual information on screens.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Additionally, the term model can refer to a person who poses for art, particularly fashion, symbolizing an aesthetic or a style, whereas a picture remains a snapshot, a visual record of scenes and entities.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Representation
Three-dimensional or abstract representation
Two-dimensional representation
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Purpose
To illustrate concepts, designs, or relationships
To capture and display visual information
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Sep 22, 2023
Usage
In design, science, and simulations
In art, photography, and general visual media
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Sep 22, 2023
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Model and Picture Definitions
Model
A simplified description of a system to aid in understanding.
Scientists use climate models to predict future environmental changes.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Picture
A graphic or image displayed on a screen.
The computer program generates a picture based on the data provided.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Model
A person employed to display products, especially fashion.
The model showcased the latest designs on the runway.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Picture
A visual representation or image painted, drawn, photographed, or otherwise rendered on a flat surface.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A simulation representing real-world scenarios.
The economist ran a model to forecast the economic growth.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
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Picture
A visible image, especially one on a flat surface or screen
The picture reflected in the lake.
Focused the picture on the movie screen.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A vivid or realistic verbal description
A Shakespearean picture of guilt.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A preliminary work or construction that serves as a plan from which a final product is to be made
A clay model ready for casting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
Such a work or construction used in testing or perfecting a final product
A test model of a solar-powered vehicle.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A person or object bearing a marked resemblance to another
She's the picture of her mother.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A schematic description or representation of something, especially a system or phenomenon, that accounts for its properties and is used to study its characteristics
A model of generative grammar.
A model of an atom.
An economic model.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A person, object, or scene that typifies or embodies an emotion, state of mind, or mood
Your face was the very picture of horror.
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Apr 21, 2023
Picture
The chief circumstances of an event or time; the situation
How does the new boyfriend figure in the picture?.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
One serving as an example to be imitated or compared
A model of decorum.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
One that serves as the subject for an artist, especially a person employed to pose for a painter, sculptor, or photographer.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
To make a visible representation of
In this photo, the mayor is pictured with several aides.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A person employed to display merchandise, such as clothing or cosmetics.
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Apr 21, 2023
Picture
To form a mental image of; visualize
I pictured my grandfather as a young man coming to America.
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Apr 21, 2023
Picture
To describe vividly in words; make a verbal picture of
Pictured their heroism in glowing language.
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Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, by drawing, painting, printing, photography, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
To make or construct a descriptive or representational model of
Computer programs that model climate change.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
To plan, construct, or fashion in imitation of a model
Modeled his legal career after that of his mentor.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A paragon, a perfect example or specimen (of a category).
She's the very picture of health.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
In painting, drawing, and photography, to give a three-dimensional appearance to, as by shading or highlighting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
An attractive sight.
The garden is a real picture at this time of year.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
To exhibit (a behavior) in such a way as to promote the establishment of similar patterns of behavior in another
The therapist modeled socially appropriate conversation.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
To repeat (a behavior observed in another)
The child was modeling her mother's nurturing behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
Situation.
The employment picture for the older middle class is not so good.
You can't just look at the election, you've got to look at the big picture.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
To work or serve as a model, as in wearing clothes for display or serving as the subject of an artist.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
(MLE) A sample of an illegal drug.
If you want me to buy your weed I’ll need a picture.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A person who serves as a subject for artwork or fashion, usually in the medium of photography but also for painting or drawing.
The beautiful model had her face on the cover of almost every fashion magazine imaginable.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A person, usually an attractive male or female that is hired to show items or goods to the public, such as items that are given away as prizes on a TV game show.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A representation of a physical object, usually in miniature.
The boy played with a model of a World War II fighter plane.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A simplified representation used to explain the workings of a real world system or event.
The computer weather model did not correctly predict the path of the hurricane.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A style, type, or design.
He decided to buy the turbo engine model of the sports car.
This year's model features four doors instead of two.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
The art of painting; representation by painting.
Any well-expressed image . . . either in picture or sculpture.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
The structural design of a complex system.
The team developed a sound business model.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A representation of anything (as a person, a landscape, a building) upon canvas, paper, or other surface, produced by means of painting, drawing, engraving, photography, etc.; a representation in colors. By extension, a figure; a model.
Pictures and shapes are but secondary objects.
The young king's picture . . . in virgin wax.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A successful example to be copied, with or without modifications.
He was a model of eloquence and virtue.
British parliamentary democracy was seen as a model for other countries to follow.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
An image or resemblance; a representation, either to the eye or to the mind; that which, by its likeness, brings vividly to mind some other thing; as, a child is the picture of his father; the man is the picture of grief.
My eyes make pictures when they are shut.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(logic) An interpretation function which assigns a truth value to each atomic proposition.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
To draw or paint a resemblance of; to delineate; to represent; to form or present an ideal likeness of; to bring before the mind.
I have not seen him so pictured.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(logic) An interpretation which makes a set of sentences true, in which case that interpretation is called a model of that set.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface;
They showed us the pictures of their wedding
A movie is a series of images projected so rapidly that the eye integrates them
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(medicine) An animal that is used to study a human disease or pathology.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
Graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface;
A small painting by Picasso
He bought the painting as an investment
His pictures hang in the Louvre
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A clear and telling mental image;
He described his mental picture of his assailant
He had no clear picture of himself or his world
The events left a permanent impression in his mind
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(software architecture) In software applications using the model-view-controller design pattern, the part or parts of the application that manage the data.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A situation treated as an observable object;
The political picture is favorable
The religious scene in England has changed in the last century
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Apr 21, 2023
Picture
Illustrations used to decorate or explain a text;
The dictionary had many pictures
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Apr 21, 2023
Model
(transitive) to display for others to see, especially in regard to wearing clothing while performing the role of a fashion model
She modelled the shoes for her friends to see.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A form of entertainment that enacts a story by a sequence of images giving the illusion of continuous movement;
They went to a movie every Saturday night
The film was shot on location
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(transitive) to use as an object in the creation of a forecast or model
They modelled the data with a computer to analyze the experiment’s results.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
The visible part of a television transmission;
They could still receive the sound but the picture was gone
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(transitive) to make a miniature model of
He takes great pride in his skill at modeling airplanes.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A graphic or vivid verbal description;
Too often the narrative was interrupted by long word pictures
The author gives a depressing picture of life in Poland
The pamphlet contained brief characterizations of famous Vermonters
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(transitive) to create from a substance such as clay
The sculptor modelled the clay into the form of a dolphin.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A typical example of some state or quality;
The very picture of a modern general
She was the picture of despair
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Apr 21, 2023
Picture
Imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind;
I can't see him on horseback!
I can see what will happen
I can see a risk in this strategy
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
(intransitive) to work as a model in art or fashion
The actress used to model before being discovered by Hollywood.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
Show in, or as in, a picture;
This scene depicts country life
The face of the child is rendered with much tenderness in this painting
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A miniature representation of a thing, with the several parts in due proportion; sometimes, a facsimile of the same size; as, a
In charts, in maps, and eke in models made.
I had my father's signet in my purse,Which was the model of that Danish seal.
You have the models of several ancient temples, though the temples and the gods are perished.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A visual representation captured by a camera.
She took a picture of the breathtaking sunset.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Model
Something intended to serve, or that may serve, as a pattern of something to be made; a material representation or embodiment of an ideal; sometimes, a drawing; a plan; as, the clay model of a sculpture; the inventor's model of a machine.
[The application for a patent] must be accompanied by a full description of the invention, with drawings and a model where the case admits of it.
When we mean to buildWe first survey the plot, then draw the model.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
An image formed in a person's mind.
The description gave me a clear picture of the setting.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Model
Anything which serves, or may serve, as an example for imitation; as, a government formed on the model of the American constitution; a model of eloquence, virtue, or behavior.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A painting or drawing.
The museum displayed pictures from renowned artists.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Model
That by which a thing is to be measured; standard.
He that despairs measures Providence by his own little, contracted model.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Picture
A visual depiction on a surface.
There was a picture of a family on the wall.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Model
Any copy, or resemblance, more or less exact.
Thou seest thy wretched brother die,Who was the model of thy father's life.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A person who poses as a pattern for an artist; as, the artist used his daughter as a model for an Indian maiden.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A person who is employed to wear clothing for the purpose of advertising or display, or who poses with a product for the same purpose; a mannequin{1}; as, a fashion model.
A professional model.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A particular version or design of an object that is made in multiple versions; as, the 1993 model of the Honda Accord; the latest model of the HP laserjet printer. For many manufactured products, the model name is encoded as part of the model number.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
An abstract and often simplified conceptual representation of the workings of a system of objects in the real world, which often includes mathematical or logical objects and relations representing the objects and relations in the real-world system, and constructed for the purpose of explaining the workings of the system or predicting its behavior under hypothetical conditions; as, the administration's model of the United States economy predicts budget surpluses for the next fifteen years; different models of the universe assume different values for the cosmological constant; models of proton structure have grown progressively more complex in the past century.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
Suitable to be taken as a model or pattern; as, a model house; a model husband.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
To plan or form after a pattern; to form in model; to form a model or pattern for; to shape; to mold; to fashion; as, to model a house or a government; to model an edifice according to the plan delineated.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
To make a copy or a pattern; to design or imitate forms; as, to model in wax.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A simplified description of a complex entity or process;
The computer program was based on a model of the circulatory and respiratory systems
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A person who poses for a photographer or painter or sculptor;
The president didn't have time to be a model so the artist worked from photos
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
Something to be imitated;
An exemplar of success
A model of clarity
He is the very model of a modern major general
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A woman who wears clothes to display fashions;
She was too fat to be a mannequin
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
Assume a posture as for artistic purposes;
We don't know the woman who posed for Leonardo so often
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
Create a representation or model of;
The pilots are trained in conditions simulating high-altitude flights
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 21, 2023
Model
A scaled representation of a structure.
The architect created a detailed model of the proposed building.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Model
A standard or example for imitation or comparison.
She is a model of integrity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
FAQs
Can a person be referred to as a model?
Yes, a model can be a person who displays products or represents aesthetic standards.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Are all pictures two-dimensional?
Typically yes, pictures are two-dimensional representations of visual scenes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Do models always represent real objects?
No, models can represent abstract concepts, relationships, or hypothetical entities.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can a picture be manipulated?
Yes, pictures can be edited or manipulated to change their appearance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is a model tangible?
Some models are tangible, but others can be mathematical or simulated.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Is a model always three-dimensional?
No, models can also be abstract representations or simulations.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Is a model in fashion the same as a model in science?
No, a fashion model represents aesthetic standards, while a scientific model represents concepts or relationships.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can a model be a prototype?
Yes, a prototype is a preliminary model representing the core functionalities of the final product.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
Can models have moving parts?
Yes, some models can have moving parts to accurately represent the functionality of the object being modeled.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
Can a picture represent an abstract concept?
Generally, pictures represent visual realities but can be used metaphorically to represent abstract ideas.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can a picture be a painting?
Yes, a picture can refer to a painting, drawing, or any visual art piece.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Can a picture be in black and white?
Yes, pictures can be in color or black and white.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Are models used in education?
Yes, models are crucial educational tools used to explain complex concepts in an understandable way.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
Are pictures always true to reality?
No, pictures can be altered, and artistic pictures may not represent reality accurately.
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023
Can a picture be drawn?
Yes, a picture can be created by drawing, painting, or any other art form.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
