The word 理念 is formed through a classical philosophical synthesis, where 理 (lǐ), meaning the inherent order, principle, or reason underlying reality, is combined with 念 (niàn), meaning thought, idea, or conception. Together, they create a concept that transcends a mere "notion" to represent a foundational principle that has been consciously internalized and elevated into a guiding concept or philosophy. It encapsulates the process where an objective truth or rational principle (理) becomes a subjective, governing ideal or core belief (念), thus forming a compound that signifies a systematic or philosophical "concept" or "ideology".