vzorem

Vzorem is the instrumental singular form of the Czech noun vzor, which means model, pattern, or example. In modern Czech it is used to describe a person or thing that serves as a standard to imitate or follow. The form often appears in sentences where vzor functions as a predicative complement or as an instrumental noun after certain verbs, such as být (to be) or sloužit (to serve).

Etymology and cognates: vzor comes from Proto-Slavic *vzorъ. It has cognates in other Slavic languages, including Russian vzor (образец) and Polish wzór (pattern). The instrumental form vzorem reflects the typical Slavic pattern of case inflection for masculine inanimate nouns.

Grammatical notes and usage: vzorem is masculine inanimate. Its nominative is vzor, while the instrumental singular is vzorem. In usage, it denotes something regarded as a standard of excellence or a template to imitate. Common constructions include phrases expressing that someone or something is a model or exemplar for others, for example in contexts such as education, leadership, or artistic work. It can refer to a concrete person, a generalized ideal, or an abstract standard.

Context and nuance: vzorem is typically found in formal or literary contexts and often conveys esteem, admonition, or guidance. It should be distinguished from related terms such as vzor (the base noun meaning model or standard) and vzorec (a different noun meaning formula or pattern in a mathematical or procedural sense).