The word **好歹 (hǎodǎi)** is a compound formed by combining two opposites: **好 (hǎo)**, meaning "good," and **歹 (dǎi)**, an archaic term meaning "bad" or "evil." This juxtaposition creates an abstract, idiomatic meaning that encompasses the entirety of a situation—both the favorable and unfavorable possibilities. Consequently, it functions as an adverb meaning "in any case," "at any rate," or "for better or worse," expressing a sense of necessity or pragmatic acceptance regardless of the outcome. It can also be used as a noun to mean "the gravity of a situation" (e.g., not knowing what's good or bad), highlighting its origin in contrasting dualities.