/ kəmˈpəʊz; NAmE -ˈpoʊz/ verb
1.
[ vn ] [ no passive ] (not used in the progressive tenses) ( formal ) to combine together to form a whole
SYN make up :
Ten men compose the committee.
—see also composed ➡ note at consist of
2.
to write music :
[ vn ]
Mozart composed his last opera shortly before he died.
[also v ]
3.
[ vn ] compose a letter / speech / poem to write a letter, etc. usually with a lot of care and thought :
She composed a letter of protest.
4.
[ vn ] [ no passive ] ( formal ) to manage to control your feelings or expression :
Emma frowned, making an effort to compose herself .
I was so confused that I could hardly compose my thoughts.
—see also composure
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the general sense put together, construct ): from Old French composer , from Latin componere , from com- together + ponere put, but influenced by Latin compositus composed and Old French poser to place.