The word 杰出 is formed by combining two characters: 杰, which originally signifies an outstanding person or hero, often associated with someone of extraordinary ability or towering achievement, and 出, which means to emerge, to stand out, or to rise above. Together, they create a vivid conceptual image of exceptional talent or merit that literally "stands out" or "protrudes" from the common level, much like a prominent peak rises from a mountain range, to denote something or someone distinguished, excellent, and preeminent.