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

But instead, the judge said, she had been "composed enough to tell persuasive and cohesive lies about what had happened".

From BBC

Lawlor was composed in possession, strong in the air and sound with his positioning.

From BBC

California’s 34th District is overwhelmingly composed of renters and includes some of the most densely populated working-class neighborhoods in the country, as well as some of the most rapidly gentrifying sections of Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Natural gas is composed mostly of climate-warming methane but also contains other gases such as hydrogen sulfide, which is deadly at high concentrations.

From Salon

Sonya managed to compose herself and finish the lesson, but says she broke down once home.

From BBC

Related Words

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