ENGLISH
REFERENCE

comprise

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //kəmˈpɹaɪz// UK //kəmpɹˈaɪz// com·prise Academic General-service

v. to be made of several different parts. You use this when you want to list the things that form a whole group or object.

v. to consist of or be made up of specific parts or members. Often used in formal or academic contexts to describe the composition of a group or structure.


SIMPLE

The team comprises ten players and two coaches.

CONTEXTUAL

The final report will comprise three main sections: the introduction, the data analysis, and the conclusion.

COMPLEX

The national park comprises a diverse range of ecosystems, including ancient wetlands, dense pine forests, and rugged coastal cliffs that support several endangered species.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English comprisen, from Old French compris, past participle of comprendre, from Latin comprehendere, contr. comprendere, past participle comprehensus (“to comprehend”); see comprehend. Compare apprise, reprise, surprise.

Usage

The verb is transitive. While 'comprise' is traditionally used to mean 'contain' or 'include', it is increasingly used in the passive form 'be comprised of', though some style guides still discourage this.

Pitfall

The group comprises of five membersThe group comprises five membersIn the active voice, 'comprise' does not take the preposition 'of'. Use 'of' only with the passive form 'is comprised of'.

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