Synonyms Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for compose on Thesaurus.com 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.). Show More
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. Show More
Origin of compose First recorded in
1375–1425; late Middle English word from
Middle French word
composer. See
com- ,
pose1 Related forms com·pos·a·ble , adjective un·com·pos·a·ble , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for compose form ,
construct ,
constitute ,
comprise ,
build ,
devise ,
conceive ,
invent ,
write ,
pen ,
produce ,
design ,
orchestrate ,
collect ,
arrange ,
contain ,
make ,
fashion ,
compound ,
ghost Examples from the Web for compose Contemporary Examples of compose He then enlisted the help of New York City musician Carlo Nicolau to compose the music.
“One can no more write good English than one can compose good music by merely keeping to the rules,” he wrote.
But Google grumble grumble makes me compose new messages in a tiny window, you say.
After defense explained that it did not consider the document intelligence, Lind compose herself and let defense proceed.
The charge was to compose a story on it—a story that would justifiably appear on a napkin.
Historical Examples of compose In the nearer ranks we may discern the variety of ingredients that compose the mass.
It need hardly be said that in any case it was not Handel's practice to compose his works on an organ.
Little Dorrit was deeply anxious that he should lie down to compose himself.
Sometimes all the bells which compose a peal tell their various uses.
A proof of each of the songs that I compose or amend I shall receive as a favour.
British Dictionary definitions for compose 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) Show More
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
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Word Origin and History for compose v. 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 .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
