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.

Nearby words

compony, componé, comport, comportance, comportment, compose, composed, composedly, composer, composing room, composing stick

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.

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

Can be confusedcompose 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

Word Origin and History for composable

compose

c.1400, compousen, from Old French composer "put together, arrange, write" a work (12c.), from com- "with" (see com-) + poser "to place," from Late Latin pausare "to cease, lay down," ultimately from Latin ponere "to put, place" (see position (n.)). Meaning influenced in Old French by componere (see composite). Musical sense is from 1590s. Related: Composed; composing.

compose

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

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

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Nearby words

Origin of compose

British Dictionary definitions for composable

compose

verb (mainly tr)

Word Origin for compose

Word Origin and History for composable

compose