compose
/kəmˈpəʊz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
- 1.
To write a piece of music, poetry, or a formal text. It can also mean to create something by putting parts together.
- She composed a song for the film.
- The essay is composed of three parts.
- 2.
To make yourself calm and controlled, especially after shock or excitement.
- He took a moment to compose himself.
- She composed herself before speaking.
Adinary Nuance
Compose is more formal than common words like write or make. Use compose when you mean creating music, careful writing, or putting parts together in a neat way. For feelings, compose yourself means calm down and regain control, not simply relax.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sáng tác
- Spanish
- componer
- Chinese
- 组成
- Japanese
- 作曲する
- Korean
- 작곡하다
Etymology
Compose came into English from Old French in the Middle English period. It goes back to Latin componere, meaning “put together” or “arrange.”
Common phrases
compose musiccompose an emailcompose oneselfbe composed of
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is compose formal or informal?
- Compose is fairly formal. People often use write in everyday speech.
- What is the difference between compose and write?
- Write is general. Compose is often used for music, formal writing, or careful arrangement.
- What does compose oneself mean?
- It means to calm down and control your feelings before acting or speaking.
- Can I say compose a message?
- Yes, but it sounds a little formal. Write a message is more natural in everyday English.