The word "大夫" (dàifu), meaning "doctor", is formed through a historical process of semantic shift rooted in social hierarchy. It originally denoted a senior official or nobleman in ancient Chinese courts (literally "big man"). Over centuries, this term of high status was transferred to court physicians, who held prestigious positions, and eventually the title generalized to all medical practitioners. Thus, its formation is not compositional but rather a metaphorical elevation, where the prestige of a high-ranking title was borrowed to honor the medical profession.