The word 度过 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a layer of meaningful imagery to the concept. The first character, 度, originally conveys the idea of measurement, passage, or a span (like crossing a ford or the marking on a ruler). The second, 过, fundamentally means to pass, to cross, or to go through. Their combination visually and conceptually layers the notion of a measured, bounded passage (度) with the active process of traversing it (过), effectively creating the holistic idea of "to spend or pass through" a defined period of time or experience.