modellid

Modellid refers to the Estonian plural noun meaning models. It can denote representations or replicas of objects, as well as people who model professionally, depending on context. The singular form is modell.

Origin and form: Modell is a loanword in Estonian, most likely from German Modell or English model, adopted into Estonian in the 19th or 20th century. The plural is formed by adding the standard Estonian suffix -id to modell, yielding modellid.

Usage and nuances: In everyday language, modellid can refer to physical scale models used in architecture, engineering, product design, or hobby modeling. It can also denote fashion or commercial models when the context is about people. In technical texts, modellid often refer to tangible replicas rather than abstract concepts.

Relation to mudel: Mudel is commonly used for abstract, mathematical, or theoretical models and simulations, whereas modell often refers to concrete models or to people who model professionally. The two terms overlap in some contexts, but speakers typically differentiate by nuance.

See also: mudel, modellimine.