The word "热烈" (rè liè) is formed through the semantic combination of two characters, each contributing a core idea of intensity. The first character, "热" (rè), primarily means "heat" or "hot", conveying a sense of warmth and high energy. The second character, "烈" (liè), means "fierce", "intense", or "strong", adding a notion of powerful vigor. When compounded, their meanings fuse to create the concept of "fervent" or "ardent", picturing an intense, warm, and passionate state, much like a blazing fire that is both hot and vigorously burning.