The word "厚积薄发" is formed by combining two antithetical phrases: "厚积", meaning to accumulate thickly or substantially, and "薄发", meaning to issue or express thinly or sparingly. The structure pairs the adjective "厚" (thick) with the verb "积" (accumulate) and the adjective "薄" (thin) with the verb "发" (emit), creating a compound where the semantic opposition between substantial buildup and restrained release conveys the core concept.