wzorom

Wzorem, with the instrumental form wzorem (in ASCII texts often written as wzorom), is the instrumental singular form of the Polish noun wzór. The word wzór means a pattern, model, or formula, and wzorem is used when describing something that serves as a standard or guide.

The term has several related senses. First, it can denote a pattern or template used to reproduce or manufacture something, for example in design or engineering. Second, it refers to a mathematical or scientific formula or equation, such as the wzór chemiczny (chemical formula) or a wzór matematyczny (mathematical formula). Third, it can describe a benchmark or exemplary model to imitate, as in "to wzorem do naśladowania" (that is a model to imitate).

In usage, wzór appears in both technical and everyday language. In science, one speaks of wzór chemiczny or wzór równania. In everyday speech, phrasing like "uważać kogoś za wzór" or "brać wzór z kogoś" expresses the idea of following a reference or example. The related adjective wzorowy means exemplary or modelowy, used to describe high standards, such as wzorowy uczeń (exemplary student) or wzorowy projekt.

Etymologically, wzór originates from Polish and has cognates in other Slavic languages, reflecting its long-standing use to signify a standard or template. The core concept remains stable across contexts: a wzór is something to be followed, calculated from, or copied, serving as a reference point in planning, analysis, and imitation.