The word 模范 is formed by combining the characters 模 and 范, both of which individually convey meanings related to models or patterns. 模 originally referred to a mold or template used in casting, while 范 historically denoted a bamboo frame used for shaping objects in molding processes. Together, they form a compound word where each character reinforces the other, resulting in the meaning of "model" or "example" as a standard to follow.