The word 处理 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core idea to create a unified concept. 处 (chǔ) carries the fundamental meaning of "to be situated", "to deal with", or "to handle", implying an active engagement with a situation. 理 (lǐ) fundamentally means "texture", "reason", or "to put in order", conveying the idea of organizing according to inherent principles or patterns. When merged, 处理 conceptually represents the act of taking a situation in hand (处) and systematically arranging, managing, or settling it (理), thus arriving at its comprehensive meaning of "to handle", "to process", or "to deal with".