The Chinese word 模范 is a parallel compound, formed by combining two morphemes, 模 (mó) and 范 (fàn), which originally had very similar meanings. In ancient Chinese, 模 referred to a wooden mold or model used for casting metal, while 范 specifically denoted a bamboo mold used for the same purpose. Over time, both characters evolved to carry the abstract sense of a "pattern", "standard", or "exemplar". By joining them, the compound 模范 reinforces and emphasizes the concept of a model or paragon worthy of imitation, creating a single, cohesive term where the sum is essentially equal to its nearly synonymous parts.