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Compose oneself: meaning, definitions and examples

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compose oneself

[ kəmˈpəʊz wʌnˈsɛlf ]

Verb

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a state of readiness

To compose oneself means to calm down and prepare to face a difficult situation or to focus on a task. It involves controlling one's emotions and thoughts in order to be collected and ready.

Synonyms

calm down, collect oneself, gather one's thoughts.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compose oneself	When someone needs to regain mental or emotional stability, often used in formal or serious situations. She took a deep breath to compose herself before giving the speech. He needed a moment to compose himself after hearing the shocking news.
calm down	Used in more casual or everyday situations when someone needs to reduce their agitation or distress. Please calm down, there's no need to shout. She tried to calm down after the argument.
collect oneself	Often used when someone needs to gather their emotions and thoughts, usually in a formal or introspective context. He took a few minutes to collect himself before entering the meeting room. She needed time to collect herself after the unexpected news.
gather one's thoughts	Used when someone needs to mentally prepare or organize their thoughts, usually for thinking clearly or making a decision. I need a moment to gather my thoughts before I can answer your question. He took a walk to gather his thoughts about the situation.

Examples of usage

Before the big presentation, she took a moment to compose herself and gather her thoughts.
After the argument, he needed a few minutes to compose himself before apologizing.
I need to compose myself before going on stage to give my speech.
Whenever she feels overwhelmed, she takes a deep breath to compose herself.
He tried to compose himself before entering the exam room.

Translations

Translations of the word "compose oneself" in other languages:

🇵🇹 controlar-se

🇮🇳 स्वयं को संभालना

🇩🇪 sich zusammenreißen

🇮🇩 mengendalikan diri

🇺🇦 взяти себе в руки

🇵🇱 opanować się

🇯🇵 落ち着く

🇫🇷 se ressaisir

🇪🇸 controlarse

🇹🇷 kendine hakim olmak

🇰🇷 자제하다

🇸🇦 السيطرة على النفس

🇨🇿 ovládnout se

🇸🇰 ovládnuť sa

🇨🇳 控制自己

🇸🇮 obvladati se

🇮🇸 hafa stjórn á sér

🇰🇿 өзін-өзі ұстау

🇬🇪 თვითკონტროლი

🇦🇿 özünü idarə etmək

🇲🇽 controlarse

Etymology

The phrase 'compose oneself' has its origins in the late Middle English period, where 'compose' meant 'to arrange in proper order'. Over time, the phrase evolved to refer to the act of calming oneself and preparing for a situation. It emphasizes the idea of gathering one's thoughts and emotions to be in a state of readiness. The concept of composing oneself is often associated with mindfulness and self-control, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation in various aspects of life.