compose

[kuhm-pohz]

verb (used with object)

composed, composing 

1. to make or form by combining things, parts, or elements.

   He composed his speech from many research notes.

2. to be or constitute a part or element of.

   a rich sauce composed of many ingredients.

3. to make up or form the basis of.

   Style composes the essence of good writing.

4. to put or dispose in proper form or order.

   to compose laws into a coherent system.

5. Art.,  to organize the parts or elements of (a picture or the like).

6. to create (a musical, literary, or choreographic work).

7. to end or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.).

   The union and management composed their differences.

8. to bring (oneself, one's mind, etc.) to a condition of calmness, repose, etc.; calm; quiet.

   Synonyms: collect, settle

9. Printing.

   1. to set (type).

   2. to set type for (an article, book, etc.).

verb (used without object)

composed, composing 

1. to engage in composition, especially musical composition.

2. to enter into composition; fall into an arrangement.

   a scene that composes well.

compose

/ kəmˈpəʊz /

verb

1. to put together or make up by combining; put in proper order

2. to be the component elements of

3. to produce or create (a musical or literary work)

4. (intr) to write music

5. to calm (someone, esp oneself); make quiet

6. to adjust or settle (a quarrel, etc)

7. to order the elements of (a painting, sculpture, etc); design

8. printing to set up (type)

Other Word Forms

• composable adjective
• uncomposable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compose¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Middle French word composer. See com-, pose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of compose¹

C15: from Old French composer, from Latin compōnere to put in place; see _component

Example Sentences

Ravel’s death in 1937 was hastened by a rare form of dementia that robbed him of the ability to compose.

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“It was genuinely one of the most fun things to shoot when you’ve got the motivation to move freely. Everything in the rest of the film is considered and composed,” says the cinematographer.

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A classically trained musician versed in jazz, classical and electronica, Berry describes his role as “composing for people’s emotions.”

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Or you might prefer to peek over the shoulder of Shakespeare as he composed his sonnets, and make helpful suggestions regarding the poetic meter.

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Penelope thought she saw Judge Quinzy’s right eyebrow arch momentarily, but he quickly composed himself.

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Related Words

• conceive 
• design 
• devise 
• form 
• invent 
• orchestrate 
• pen 
• produce 
• set up 
• write