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  What it means

  This phrase means “following the model of,” “modeled on,” or “in the manner of.” It describes something made or done in imitation of, or inspired by, another thing. “Na wzór zachodnich demokracji” means “modeled on Western democracies.” It implies a deliberate pattern being followed, often in formal or analytical writing.

  Vocabulary

  • wzór — model, pattern, example, formula
  • na wzór — modeled on, following the example of
  • wzorować się — to model oneself on, to take inspiration from

  Grammar note

  'Na' + accusative: 'wzór' is accusative singular of 'wzór' (masculine inanimate). The phrase is followed by a genitive noun expressing what is being imitated: 'na wzór + genitive.' It is closely related to the verb 'wzorować się na czymś/kimś' (to model oneself on something/someone), which takes the locative case.

  Cultural context

  The phrase is neutral to slightly formal and appears frequently in journalism, academic writing, and political commentary. It implies conscious imitation or adaptation and is often used in discussions of reform, institutional design, or artistic style. Unlike 'podobnie jak' (similarly to), it implies the model was actively used as a template.

  Intermediate

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