verb

compose

kuhm-POHZ

verb

To make up or form the parts of something.

"Twelve members compose the committee."

To create a piece of music or writing.

"She composed a symphony in just three weeks."

"He sat down to compose a letter of apology."

To calm oneself or bring one's emotions under control.

"He took a deep breath to compose himself before the interview."

How to Use Compose

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo create something by putting parts together, or to make up a whole, or to calm down.

Common pairings

compose a piece compose oneself compose a message

composed past tense, composes singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Twelve members _____ the committee.

From Old French composer, adapted from Latin componere, "to put together," from com- ("together") + ponere ("to place").

form indite compound comprise make up represent upmake

create build shape form include describe compound compensate

rose nose lose dose pose Jose hose Bose close moose whose goose

form indite compound comprise make up represent upmake create build shape include describe