The word 比较 is formed by combining two independent characters, 比 and 较, which both inherently carry meanings related to comparison and measurement. 比 originally depicted two people standing side-by-side, implying comparison and analogy, while 较 comes from the concept of "rivalry" or "contesting" outcomes, as seen in its use in 较量. By joining them into a single compound word, the concept is reinforced and intensified, creating a unified term that encompasses the full action of comparing, assessing, or judging one thing against another.