The word 提供 is formed by combining two individual characters, each contributing a core action to create a unified concept. The first character, 提 (tí), carries the foundational meaning of "to lift" or "to raise up". The second character, 供 (gōng), means "to supply" or "to present for use". When merged, they create a vivid metaphorical image: one lifts or brings something up (提) in order to supply or furnish it (供). This seamlessly coalesces into the modern meaning of "to provide", capturing the active process of making something available for another.