The compound word 例行 is formed by combining the character 例 (lì), meaning "example", "precedent", or "rule", with the character 行 (xíng), meaning "to carry out", "to perform", or "to execute". Together, they create a meaning that describes an action performed according to established precedent, rule, or regular custom. The structure follows a logical sequence where 行 (to perform) is the action taken based on or in accordance with 例 (the established rule). Thus, the term as a whole, often used in phrases like 例行公事 (routine business) or 例行检查 (routine inspection), conveys the concept of a standardized, habitual, or regularly scheduled procedure.