Compose definition

kəm-pōz
composed composes composing
See word origin
Frequency:
(printing) To set type.
verb
17
5
To create musical or literary works.
verb
12
4
(printing) To set type.
verb
8
6
To set (type)
verb
3
2
To make something by merging parts. [ from later 15th c.]

The editor composed a historical journal from many individual letters.

Try to compose your thoughts.

verb
3
2
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The definition of compose means to combine, to put something in order or to write a piece of music.

An example of compose is form a flower arrangment from a combination of flowers, leaves and fruits.

An example of compose is to line up a group of pictures by the date the picture was taken.

An example of compose is to write a song.

verb
2
2
To make (oneself) calm or tranquil.

Compose yourself and deal with the problems logically.

verb
1
2
To produce (printed matter) as by computer, photocomposition, etc.
verb
0
1
To make up the whole; to constitute.

A church is composed of its members.

verb
0
1
(intransitive) To construct by mental labor; to think up; particularly, to produce or create a literary or musical work.

The orator composed his speech over the week prior.

Nine numbered symphonies, including the Fifth, were composed by Beethoven.

It's difficult to compose without absolute silence.

verb
0
1
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(sometimes reflexive) To calm; to free from agitation.

The defendant couldn't compose herself and was found in contempt.

verb
0
1
To arrange the elements of a photograph or other picture.
verb
0
1
To settle (an argument, dispute etc.); to come to a settlement.
verb
0
1
(printing, dated) To arrange (types) in a composing stick for printing; to typeset.
verb
0
1
To put (oneself, one's mind, etc.) in a state of tranquillity or repose; calm.
verb
4
6
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To make or create by putting together parts or elements.
verb
1
3
To make up the constituent parts of; constitute or form.

An exhibit composed of French paintings; the many ethnic groups that compose our nation.

verb
0
2
To settle or adjust; reconcile.

They managed to compose their differences.

verb
0
2
(printing) To arrange or set (type or matter to be printed).
verb
0
2
To create a literary or musical piece.
verb
0
2
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To form in combination; make up; constitute.

Mortar is composed of lime, sand, and water.

verb
0
2
To put together; put in proper order or form.
verb
0
2
To create (a musical or literary work)
verb
0
2
To adjust or settle; reconcile.

To compose differences.

verb
0
2
(nonstandard) To comprise.
verb
0
2
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To arrange in proper form; to reduce to order; to put in proper state or condition.
verb
0
2
To create or produce (a literary or musical piece).
verb
0
3
To arrange aesthetically or artistically.
verb
0
3

Origin of compose

  • Middle English composen from Old French composer alteration (influenced by poser to put, place) of Latin compōnere component

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Old French composer (“to compose, compound, adjust, settle”), from Latin componere (“to put together, compose”), from com- (“together”) + ponere (“to put, place”)

    From Wiktionary

Compose Sentence Examples

  • Lisa tried to compose her thoughts and expression.

  • She needed time to compose herself before sharing the bad news with him.

  • She made an effort to compose herself, taking deep breaths.

  • Not till then did he compose this letter.

  • He often thought, If Beethoven or Chopin had centuries to compose music, imagine the treasures we would have.

More sentences

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Words near compose in the Dictionary