The character '案' is formed from the radical '宀' representing a covered structure or file, combined with '安' denoting stability, together conveying a settled record or case. The character '例' is formed from the radical '亻' representing a person, combined with '列' meaning to arrange, together signifying an example or precedent. When combined into '案例', the word denotes a case example, where '案' provides the concept of a specific documented instance, and '例' adds the function of it serving as a model or illustration.