The word 延续 is formed by combining two characters that each contribute a closely related meaning to create a unified concept. The first character, 延 (yán), carries the core idea of extending, prolonging, or stretching something out. The second character, 续 (xù), means to continue, to follow in sequence, or to reconnect. When placed together, they conceptually reinforce and specify each other, painting a picture of an action where an existing state or process is actively extended forward in time without break, resulting in the comprehensive meaning of "to continue" or "to perpetuate".