Comprise

/kəmˈpraɪz/advancedverb

If you came here for 'comprise' meaning and a sentence you can actually reuse, read the definition below, then skim the examples for the register that fits your situation.

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Meaning

To consist of; to be made up of; to include or contain.

Memory trick

COM-PRISE: the whole “takes in” (grasps) its parts.

Examples

1

The committee comprises five engineers and two designers.

2

The course comprises lectures, labs, and a final project.

3

The dataset comprises over ten thousand labeled examples.

Synonyms

consist ofincludecontainencompassconstitutecomposeincorporate

Antonyms

excludeomitlackleave out

Etymology

From Old French compris, past participle of comprendre "to comprise, include," from Latin comprehendere "to seize, grasp."

Usage Notes

In careful usage, the whole comprises the parts (“The team comprises A, B, and C”). “Is comprised of” is common but contested.

Real-life contexts

1

Use in specs: "The release comprises three features and one fix."

2

Use in writing: "The chapter comprises theory and practice."

3

Use carefully: whole comprises parts, keep the direction clear.

Common Mistakes

Prefer “The whole comprises the parts,” not “The parts comprise the whole.” Avoid mixing up with “compose.”

Comprise: Meaning, Memory Trick & Examples | WordFlippin