The word 依旧 is formed by combining two characters whose core meanings create a layered, conceptual blend. 依 (yī) fundamentally carries the sense of "to lean on", "to rely on", or "to follow", implying a basis or connection. 旧 (jiù) means "old", "former", or "previous", referring to a state that existed in the past. When fused, the compound visually and notionally depicts an ongoing condition that leans upon or adheres to the old way, thus conceptually arriving at its meaning of "still", "as before", or "remaining unchanged".