comprise
Formscomprises, comprising, comprised
Often confused with compose
- 1To be made up of a set of parts or members.
Like a puzzle made up of all its pieces.
The archives comprise thousands of letters and old photographs.
The committee comprises twelve elected members.
Similarinclude, contain, encompass, embrace, incorporate
Note
- 2To be the parts that, taken together, make up something larger.
Like bricks that together make up a wall.
Sixty thousand fans comprised the crowd at the final.
Three short stories comprise the entire collection.
Similarconstitute, compose, form
Note
- 3To include a set of parts as the smallest required, while allowing for more.
Like a recipe that lists the must-have ingredients but lets you add extras.
Good patent claims comprise the essential parts and still allow for extras.
The claim comprises a battery, a sensor, and a control switch.
Similarinclude
Note
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Old French compris, from Latin comprehendere meaning "to comprehend."