The Chinese word 征求 (zhēngqiú) is a compound verb formed by combining two characters with similar meanings to create a more specific and nuanced term. The first character, 征 (zhēng), carries the core idea of "to levy", "to summon", or "to seek out", while the second, 求 (qiú), means "to request" or "to seek". When paired together, they reinforce and narrow the meaning to "to solicit", "to ask for", or "to seek out (opinions, feedback, consent, etc.)", effectively describing the active process of openly and formally requesting something, typically input or permission, from others.