态度
tàidù · HSK 2
demeanor
态度 = 态 (form/manner) + 度 (degree) — one's measured manner
态 carries the sense of bearing or posture; 度 means degree or extent. Together they describe the degree of one's bearing — how someone stands, treats, or deals with a situation.
度 — 广 (shelter) + 庶 abbreviated (phonetic)
Originally depicted a hand measuring length under a shelter, meaning 'to measure' or 'a measure/standard.' From this came extended senses like 'degree,' 'extent,' and 'to pass through' (as in passing time). The reading 'dù' means degree/measure, while 'duó' preserves the older verbal sense of measuring.