compose

[ kuhm-pohz ]

verb (used with object)

, com·posed, com·pos·ing.

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)

, com·posed, com·pos·ing.

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 Words From

• com·posa·ble adjective
• uncom·posa·ble 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

He wanted a Polish classical composer for “Dracula” and approached Witold Lutosławski — who told Coppola it would take him five years to compose the amount of score required.

From Los Angeles Times

Dumont would eventually compose more than 30 songs for Piaf before her death in 1963.

From BBC

When you hear news about the war, always remember that behind those news stories, there are real people who dream, play music and compose songs, who want to live normal lives and create something.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1964, he agreed to compose the music for Sidney Lumet’s “The Pawnbroker.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant on Wednesday began offering 15-minute sessions for customers at its hundreds of U.S. retail stores on the company’s new suite of AI tools called Apple Intelligence, which can help iPhone users to compose emails faster, create new emojis and delete their exes out of photos.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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