The word 模式 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core concept to create a new, unified meaning. The first character, 模 (mó), carries the idea of a "model", "standard", or "imitation". The second character, 式 (shì), means "formula", "pattern", "style", or "manner". When joined, the compound literally and conceptually fuses these notions to express the idea of a "model form" or a "standard pattern", effectively meaning a fixed template, system, or paradigm that can be applied or reproduced.