Composition: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to the structure or makeup of something, as well as a musical or literary work.

• The composition of the team's strategy was impressive
• He admired the Bach composition played by the orchestra

A general term for any single work of music, art, or writing.

• That piece of music always makes me emotional
• She presented a new piece at the art exhibition

Broadly refers to any created item, particularly emphasizing labor and effort involved.

• He spent years on his latest work, a historical novel
• The gallery featured his best-known works

Primarily used in classical music to denote a major work, often with a specific number associated with it.

• Beethoven’s Opus 27 is renowned for its depth and complexity
• She performed Chopin’s Opus 11 at the recital

Use when referring to the way in which parts are put together to form a whole, often in art, music, or literature.

• The composition of the song made it an instant hit.
• He studied the composition of classical poems.

Use when talking about the organization or placement of elements in a certain order or pattern, often concerning physical objects or sequences of events.

• The floral arrangement made the room look vibrant.
• She made all the travel arrangements for the trip.

Use when speaking about the physical or conceptual construction of something, highlighting how different parts are built together.

• The structure of the building was very modern.
• The structure of her argument was very persuasive.

Use when discussing the physical or spatial design and arrangement, often in contexts like print media, web design, or interior design.

• The layout of the magazine was very appealing.
• He admired the layout of the new office.

Used typically in artistic or musical contexts, referring to the act of creating a piece of music or writing. It can also pertain to the structure or arrangement of something.

• The composition of the song took several weeks.
• Her latest painting is an impressive composition of colors and shapes.

Refers specifically to the act of creating text, whether it be stories, articles, or any form of written communication.

• She spent the afternoon writing her novel.
• His writing style is very evocative and engaging.

Used in a broad context to describe bringing something new into existence, whether it be in art, ideas, or tangible products.

• The creation of the new software revolutionized the industry.
• Leonardo da Vinci's creations are still admired today.

Commonly used in industrial, business, or artistic contexts to describe the manufacturing or making of something, often on a larger scale.

• The factory's production has increased by 20% this year.
• The production of the film involved a large team of professionals.