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

It appointed a government heavily composed of political insiders, to the dismay of the Gen Z groups.

Read more on Barron's

This is the reverse of many professionals who edit—or copy and paste—whatever an AI tool composes in response to a prompt.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In fact, this may be one reason why Brahms’ only solo music for viola was an alternate version he made of his two clarinet sonatas composed near the end of his life.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In Belgium, commercial courts -- which handle disputes between companies -- are composed of a professional judge assisted by two lay judges drawn from the business world for their expertise.

Read more on Barron's

When completed, the rigorously composed, historically inspired stone pavilion bore all the hallmarks of Johnson and Kelly’s more than half dozen collaborations.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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