compose
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.).
to engage in composition, especially musical composition.
to enter into composition; fall into an arrangement: a scene that composes well.
Origin of compose
1Other words for compose
Other words from compose
- com·pos·a·ble, adjective
- un·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. 2023
How to use compose in a sentence
Adults 65 and older compose 16 percent of the US population but account for about 80 percent of Covid-19 deaths.
We don’t have a good definition of any of those three words that compose that term.
Podcast: Can you teach a machine common sense? | Anthony Green | November 11, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewPLTP is composed of Meridiam, Star America and Fluor Enterprises.
Bank gives Purple Line firms more time to reach a settlement with Maryland and avoid potential default on debt | Katherine Shaver | November 8, 2020 | Washington PostWiedmaier says he’s dropped eight to 10 dishes from the menu, which encourages diners to compose their own four- to six-course dinners.
A reopened Marcel’s reminds me that fine dining, especially now, is about more than food | Tom Sietsema | November 6, 2020 | Washington PostHe won in the city’s urban core, the South Bay and in southeastern San Diego – areas that are disproportionately composed of renters, people with lower incomes, young people and people of color.
San Diego Is a Big City – Todd Gloria Wants it to Act Like One | Andrew Keatts | November 6, 2020 | Voice of San Diego
British Dictionary definitions for compose
/ (kəmˈpəʊz) /
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)
Origin of compose
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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