The word 实至名归 is formed through a logical sequence where the first two characters, 实 (reality) and 至 (arrive), combine to mean "reality arrives" or "substance is achieved", directly leading to the second pair, 名 (fame) and 归 (return), which together mean "fame returns" or "reputation is accorded". This structure creates a cause-and-effect compound where the achievement of actual merit necessitates the attribution of corresponding recognition.