The word 主持 is formed by combining two characters: 主, which pictorially represents a flame above an ancient lamp stand, conveying the core idea of being central, primary, or in charge; and 持, which depicts a hand (扌) acting upon something, conveying the idea of grasping, managing, or upholding. Together, they create a compound where 主 provides the concept of leadership or centrality and 持 adds the dimension of actively holding or executing that role, thus visually and conceptually forming the meaning "to host, to preside over, or to take charge of".