The word 英雄 (yīngxióng, "hero") is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a essential layer of meaning that together create a composite ideal. The first character, 英, originally meant "flower" or "petal", but by extension came to represent something outstanding, brilliant, or distinguished, the blossoming of exceptional quality. The second, 雄, signifies the male principle, associated with vigor, power, and majesty, as seen in a formidable male creature. Thus, the compound fuses the notion of brilliant, distinguished excellence (英) with one of powerful, commanding force (雄) to form the complete concept of a heroic figure, embodying both sublime virtue and formidable strength.