comprise

Pronunciation: /kəmˈpraɪz/

verb

Difficulty: intermediate

Definition of comprise

To consist of or be composed of particular elements or parts; to include or encompass as a whole.

Origin of comprise

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: comprehendere

Original meaning: to seize, grasp, or include

How it evolved: The word evolved from the Latin 'comprehendere' (to grasp or include) to Old French 'compris' (included), eventually taking on its modern English usage.

Derived from Late Middle English, the word has roots in Old French and Latin, carrying the sense of 'to include' or 'to seize within'.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember comprise

Think of 'comprise' as 'compose-rise,' meaning to rise up by being composed of smaller parts.

Synonyms for comprise

Antonyms of comprise

comprise in a Sentence

  1. The committee comprises experts from various fields, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on the issue.
  2. The anthology comprises a diverse range of authors, each contributing unique insights into the theme of resilience.
  3. The human body comprises trillions of cells working in harmony to sustain life.

comprise in Literature & Culture

The word 'comprise' is frequently used in academic texts, legal documents, and scientific papers, often to describe complex systems or components.

Usage Notes

A common mistake is using 'comprise' interchangeably with 'compose.' Remember, the whole comprises the parts, but the parts compose the whole (e.g., 'The book comprises chapters,' not 'is comprised of chapters').

Why comprise Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is frequently tested on the GRE to evaluate a student's understanding of precise word usage and their ability to discern nuanced meanings in context.

Word Family

comprehensive (adjective)
Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
comprehend (verb)
To grasp mentally or understand fully.
comprehension (noun)
The ability to understand something.

Did You Know?

  • The phrase 'is comprised of' is considered incorrect by traditional grammarians, though it is gaining acceptance in modern usage.
  • The word 'comprise' is often found in scientific and technical writing, where precision is paramount.
  • Famous grammarian H.W. Fowler once described the misuse of 'comprise' as a 'grammatical sin' in his book 'Modern English Usage.'

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

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