The word 高尚 is formed by combining two independent characters, each contributing its core meaning to create a new, unified concept. 高 (gāo) means "high" or "tall", suggesting elevation and loftiness. 尚 (shàng) carries meanings of "to esteem", "to value", or "still/ yet", implying a respected and enduring standard. Together, they conceptually fuse to denote a quality that is "highly esteemed", specifically, moral loftiness, nobility, or elevated character, where the physical metaphor of height is applied to abstract virtue and dignity.