The word 优秀 is formed through the conceptual combination of its two constituent characters, each contributing a layer of meaning to create a unified idea of excellence. The first character, 优 (yōu), carries the inherent notion of abundance, superiority, or being first-rate. The second character, 秀 (xiù), conveys the image of something that elegantly rises above or stands out, like the graceful ear of a grain plant. Together, they are not arranged by grammar but are fused pictorially and notionally; the quality of being superior (优) is intrinsically linked to the distinctive, outstanding manifestation (秀) of that quality, resulting in the composite meaning of "outstanding" or "excellent".