compose
compose Lexical Profile
compose Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To write or create a work of art, especially music or poetry, or to draft a formal letter or speech.
"Mozart began to compose his first symphonies when he was still a young child."
To combine together as parts or elements to form or constitute a whole.
"Hydrogen and oxygen combine in a fixed ratio to compose a molecule of water."
To calm or settle oneself, or to bring one's thoughts and emotions under control.
"She took a few deep breaths to compose herself before stepping onto the stage."
To arrange elements in an orderly, artistic, or aesthetically pleasing manner, or to set type for printing.
"The photographer waited for the morning mist to clear so he could carefully compose the landscape shot."
Word Nuance & Usage
In formal usage, the parts 'compose' the whole (e.g., 'Fifty states compose the union'), whereas the whole 'comprises' the parts; accordingly, the passive 'is composed of' is widely preferred over the contested 'is comprised of'.
• Rhymes for compose
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French composer ('to put together, arrange, write'), formed from Latin com- ('together') and Late Latin pausare ('to cease, lay down'), which became associated in Romance languages with Latin ponere ('to place, set').