The word "宪法" (xiànfǎ), meaning "constitution", is formed through a logical conceptual compound. It combines the character "宪" (xiàn), which carries the ancient meaning of "statute", "model", or "fundamental law", with the character "法" (fǎ), which means "law" or "legal principle". Together, they create a precise, two-character unit where "宪" specifies the foundational, supreme, or constitutional nature, and "法" clarifies it as a system of law, thus synthetically expressing the idea of the supreme, foundational law of a state.