compose

[ kuhm-pohz ]

/ kəmˈpoʊz /

verb (used with object), com·posed, com·pos·ing.

to make or form by combining things, parts, or elements: He composed his speech from many research notes.

to be or constitute a part or element of: a rich sauce composed of many ingredients.

to make up or form the basis of: Style composes the essence of good writing.

to put or dispose in proper form or order: to compose laws into a coherent system.

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

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

to end or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.): The union and management composed their differences.

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

Printing.

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

verb (used without object), com·posed, com·pos·ing.

to engage in composition, especially musical composition.

to enter into composition; fall into an arrangement: a scene that composes well.

Words nearby compose

componentry, compony, comport, comportance, comportment, compose, composed, composer, composing room, composing stick, composite

Origin of compose

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Middle French word composer. See com-, pose¹

SYNONYMS FOR compose

8 settle, collect.

OTHER WORDS FROM compose

com·pos·a·ble, adjectiveun·com·pos·a·ble, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH compose

compose comprise

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for composable

compose

/ (kəmˈpəʊz) /

verb (mainly tr)

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

to be the component elements of

to produce or create (a musical or literary work)

(intr) to write music

to calm (someone, esp oneself); make quiet

to adjust or settle (a quarrel, etc)

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

printing to set up (type)

Word Origin for compose

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

compose

verb (used with object), com·posed, com·pos·ing.

verb (used without object), com·posed, com·pos·ing.

Content related to compose

Words nearby compose

Origin of compose

SYNONYMS FOR compose

OTHER WORDS FROM compose

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH compose

British Dictionary definitions for composable

verb (mainly tr)

Word Origin for compose