English Reference
adjective · verb

composed

adj. · v.
US /kəmˈpoʊzd/ UK /kəmpˈəʊzd/ com·posed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.calm and in control of your emotions, especially in a difficult situation.

    adj.exhibiting composure; remaining calm and self-possessed under pressure.

    Simple

    Even though she was nervous about the speech, she looked very composed on stage.

    In context

    The witness remained remarkably composed throughout the aggressive cross-examination, answering each question with measured precision.

    Usage

    Usually follows a linking verb like 'be', 'look', or 'seem'.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.to be formed from different parts or people.

    v.to be constituted or made up of specific elements or members.

    Simple

    The committee is composed of parents, teachers, and local business owners.

    In context

    The atmosphere is primarily composed of nitrogen and oxygen, with trace amounts of other gases essential for life.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the passive voice as 'be composed of'.

    Pitfall
    The team is composed by ten experts. The team is composed of ten experts.

    When describing what something is made of, the correct preposition is 'of'.

The stage version includes This Is Me, Never Enough and all of the other songs from the film, composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

At that temperature, the updraft regions were still composed mainly of supercooled liquid droplets.

ScienceDaily· 1 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated