verb B1 Intermediate Uncommon

compose

kuhm-POHZ

Compose (verb) means to make up or form the parts of something. Example: “Twelve members compose the committee.”

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.

Easily confused with

comprise →

Common pairings

compose a piece compose oneself compose a message

Word forms

composed past tense, composes singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Twelve members _____ the committee.

Etymology

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

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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form indite compound comprise make up represent upmake

Related words

make course body form type include figure create

Rhymes for compose

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

See all rhymes for compose →

Frequently asked questions

What does “compose” mean?

The word “compose” means to make up or form the parts of something. In plain terms, to create something by putting parts together, or to make up a whole, or to calm down.

How do you pronounce “compose”?

“Compose” is pronounced kuhm-POHZ (/kəmˈpoʊz/ in IPA).

How do you use “compose” in a sentence?

Here is “compose” used in a sentence: “Twelve members compose the committee.”

What is another word for “compose”?

Words with a similar meaning to “compose” include form, indite, compound, comprise, make up and represent.

What part of speech is “compose”?

“Compose” is a verb.

Where does the word “compose” come from?

The word “compose” comes from Latin. From Old French composer, adapted from Latin componere, "to put together," from com- ("together") + ponere ("to place").

Is “compose” a common word?

“Compose” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

How many meanings does “compose” have?

“Compose” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make up or form the parts of something.

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