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Comprise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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comprise

com-prise

🇺🇸 /kəmˈpɹaɪz/ · 🇬🇧 /kəmpɹˈaɪz/

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to include

To comprise means to consist of or include something. It can also mean to be made up of or composed of something.

Synonyms

consist of, contain, include.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comprise

Also occurs as a duplication or typo. The context and examples would be the same as its correct form.
consist of

Suitable when detailing the individual parts or elements that make up a whole. Often used in a more explanatory way than 'comprise'.

  • The recipe consists of flour, sugar, and eggs.
  • The team consists of ten members.
include

Indicates that something is part of a whole, but not necessarily making up the entirety of it. It often suggests additional elements besides those listed.

  • The price includes breakfast and free parking.
  • The package includes various accessories.
contain

Used when specifying that something has or holds within it certain elements or components. It often implies the presence of content within some boundary or limit.

  • The box contains old photographs.
  • The report contains an extensive analysis of the data.

Examples of usage

  • The committee comprises ten members.
  • The book comprises three volumes.
  • The dessert comprises a variety of fruits.
Context #2 | Verb

to be composed of

To comprise can also mean to be composed of something or to be formed by something.

Synonyms

be composed of, be made up of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
comprise

Typically used in formal or academic writing to state that something consists of specific parts or elements.

  • The committee comprises ten members
  • The book comprises several chapters
be made up of

Generally used in informal contexts to explain what elements constitute a whole.

  • The team is made up of talented young players
  • The mixture is made up of various ingredients
be composed of

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the individual elements that together form a whole.

  • The orchestra is composed of more than fifty musicians
  • Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen

Examples of usage

  • The whole comprises many parts.
  • The country comprises several islands.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Quick facts about “comprise”

Comprise is a 2-syllable verb (com-prise). It is pronounced /kəmˈpɹaɪz/ in American English and /kəmpɹˈaɪz/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 5 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #6,409 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'comprise'

The word 'comprise' originated from the French word 'comprendre', which means 'to contain'. It first appeared in English in the mid-15th century. Over time, its usage has evolved to signify inclusion or composition. The word has been widely used in various fields such as literature, science, and everyday language.

Rhymes

Comprise rhymes with applies, ayes, belies, buys, complies, cries, decries and decriminalize.

See all rhymes →

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,409 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.