The word 低估 is formed by combining two characters: 低 (dī), meaning "low", and 估 (gū), meaning "estimate" or "appraise". Their union creates a new, compound concept where the literal sense of "making a low estimate" is seamlessly extended into the metaphorical meaning of "to undervalue" or "to underestimate", conveying the act of judging something as lesser than its actual worth, capability, or significance.