Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Verb: compose  kum'powz
  1. Form the substance of
    "Greed and ambition composed his personality"
     
  2. (music) write music
    "Beethoven composed nine symphonies";
    - write
     
  3. Produce a literary work
    "She composed a poem";
    - write, pen, indite [archaic]
     
  4. Put together out of existing material
    "compose a list";
    - compile
     
  5. Calm (someone, especially oneself); make quiet
    "She had to compose herself before she could reply to this terrible insult"
     
  6. Make up plans or basic details for
    "compose a policy";
    - frame, draw up
     
  7. Arrange to make a pleasing picture, artwork, etc.
    "You have composed the picture very well with a great background"

Derived forms: composing, composes, composed

Type of: be, calm, calm down, comprise, constitute, create, create verbally, lull, make, make up, plan, quiet, quieten [Brit], represent, still, tranquilize [N. Amer], tranquillise [Brit], tranquillize

Encyclopedia: Compose