The word 认同 is formed by combining two characters: 认 (rèn), which carries the core meaning of "to recognize" or "to acknowledge", and 同 (tóng), which means "same" or "in agreement". Conceptually, it is formed by merging the process of inward recognition (认) with the state of shared sameness or harmony (同), creating a composite idea where one's personal acknowledgment aligns with and internalizes an external idea, identity, or value, thus arriving at a sense of "identification with" or "approval of". It represents a movement from individual perception toward a unified acceptance.