compose

/kəm'pouz/

Definition

Verb:
- To create or write a piece of music, literature, or art: To produce an original artistic work, such as a symphony, poem, or letter.
- To form the constituent parts of; to constitute: To make up or be the elements that combine to create a whole.
- To bring (oneself or one's thoughts) into a state of calm and order: To settle or quiet one's emotions or mind.
- To arrange typeset or elements in printing: To set up type or layout for printing.

Usage and Examples

To create artistic work:
- Beethoven composed nine symphonies.
- She composed a poem for the occasion.
To form or constitute:
- The committee is composed of representatives from all departments.
- Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen.
To calm oneself:
- He took a moment to compose himself before the interview.
- She had to compose her thoughts before answering.
To arrange for printing (specialized):
- The text was composed and ready for the press.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

"Composed of": This is the standard passive construction used to indicate what something is made from or consists of. It is more formal than "made of."
- The team is composed of experts in various fields.
"Compose oneself": A fixed phrase meaning to become calm and controlled, especially after being upset or agitated.
- After the shock, it took her several minutes to compose herself.

Variants and Related Words

Composer (n): A person who writes music.
- Mozart was a famous composer.
Composition (n):
- The act or process of composing something.
  - The composition of the report took a week.
- Something that is created, such as a piece of music or writing.
  - She submitted her musical composition for the contest.
- The way in which parts are arranged or combined; makeup.
  - The chemical composition of the substance was analyzed.
Composed (adj): Calm and in control of one's feelings.
- She gave a composed and confident speech.

Synonyms

Phrasal Verbs / Common Constructions

Compose of: (Used in passive voice: "be composed of") To have as parts or members.
- The panel is composed of three judges.
No other common phrasal verbs exist for "compose" itself. Its meanings are typically expressed through the verb with direct objects or the passive construction "be composed of."

Related Idioms

Compose one's features/face/thoughts: To make a conscious effort to look or feel calm and orderly.
- He composed his features into a neutral expression.
Compose a difference (archaic/formal): To settle a dispute.
- The mediator helped them compose their differences.

Verb

make up plans or basic details for
- frame a policy
calm (someone, especially oneself); make quiet
- She had to compose herself before she could reply to this terrible insult
put together out of existing material
- compile a list
produce a literary work
- She composed a poem
- He wrote four novels
write music
- Beethoven composed nine symphonies
form the substance of
- Greed and ambition composed his personality

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