Meaning of compose in English

1. Pronunciation

   /kəmˈpoʊz/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   compose

   Etymology

   late Middle English (in the general sense ‘put together, construct’): from Old French composer, from Latin componere (see component), but influenced by Latin compositus‘composed’ and Old French poser‘to place’

   Definitions

   1. form the substance of

   Examples

   • « Greed and ambition composed his personality »
2. 2. write music

   Examples

   • « Beethoven composed nine symphonies »
3. 3. produce a literary work

   Examples

   • « She composed a poem »
   • « He wrote four novels »
4. 4. put together out of existing material

   Examples

   • « compile a list »
5. 5. calm (someone, especially oneself)

   Examples

   • « make quiet »
   • « She had to compose herself before she could reply to this terrible insult »
6. 6. draw up the plans or basic details for

   Examples

   • « frame a policy »