ogniem

Ogniem is the instrumental case form of the Polish noun ogień, meaning fire. In Polish grammar, ogień declines through cases; ogniem is used to denote the instrument or means by which an action is carried out, and can also reflect manner or source in certain expressions, especially in literary or historical language.

The form also appears in set phrases and titles, notably in the phrase Ogniem i mieczem (With Fire and Sword), the title of Henryk Sienkiewicz's historical novel.

Etymology and cognates: ogień derives from Proto-Slavic ogьnь and has cognates in other Slavic languages, such as Russian ogon’ (огонь).

Usage notes: In modern Polish, ogniem is required after prepositions or verbal constructions that govern instrumental case. It is primarily tied to the concept of fire as material but also used metaphorically to denote energy or passion.

See also: ogień.