The word 批准 is formed by combining two distinct characters, each contributing its core meaning to create a new, unified concept. The first character, 批 (pī), carries the original idea of "writing comments" or "making a critique", which evolved into the sense of an official giving remarks or judgment on a document. The second character, 准 (zhǔn), means "to permit" or "to allow". When placed together, the formation follows a logical, cause-and-effect sequence: the action of 批 (officially reviewing and commenting) leads directly to the result of 准 (granting permission). Thus, the compound literally depicts the process and result of an official authorization: to examine and then permit, hence "to approve".