The word 正视 is formed by combining the character 正, which means "correct," "upright," or "straight," with the character 视, meaning "to look" or "to see." Together, they create a compound word whose literal meaning is "to look straight at" or "to face squarely." This construction evolves into a figurative sense, meaning to confront or acknowledge a situation, fact, or problem directly, honestly, and without avoidance, implying a responsible and earnest attitude.