compose
Americanverb (used with object)
-
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)
-
to engage in composition, especially musical composition.
-
to enter into composition; fall into an arrangement.
a scene that composes well.
verb
-
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)
Other Word Forms
- composable adjective
- uncomposable adjective
Etymology
Origin of compose
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English word from Middle French word composer. See com-, pose 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This was Belichick's first time coaching a college football team, a group composed of a bunch of teenagers with often much steeper learning curves compared to the pros of the NFL.
From BBC
Yet, Belichick was unable to muster the necessary 40 votes from a 50-member selection committee composed of football reporters and other prominent figures in football.
From Los Angeles Times
I grab a pen from the table and begin drawing Dorothy Dingle on the back of my hand while I try to compose a grown-up-sounding answer.
From Literature
Then she clears her throat and closes her eyes, composing herself.
From Literature
I told the audience, composed mostly of students of journalism, that as a young reporter I had myself witnessed the inspiring culmination of all this in 1989 when I'd stood in Wenceslas Square in Prague.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
