The word "解释" is formed through the combination of two characters, each contributing a layer of meaning that together create the concept of "to explain". The first character, "解", originally depicts using a knife to separate the horns from a cow, conveying the core ideas of untying, dividing, or loosening. The second, "释", carries the meaning of releasing, removing, or letting go. When paired, they create a powerful compound where "解" suggests breaking a complex issue into parts, and "释" implies releasing the resulting understanding, thus picturing the act of unraveling and clarifying a matter to make it clear and resolved.