How to pronounce compose
American English pronunciation
kum-POHZ
- IPA
- /kəmˈpoʊz/
- Syllables
- kum · POHZ (2 syllables, stress on the 2nd)
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What compose means
Most people know compose in its everyday sense. Here's its other meaning.
To calm yourself down after being upset
In a sentence: Before giving her speech, Maya took three deep breaths to compose herself.
Where it comes from: It comes from an old French word meaning to put together or settle, made from com-, together, and poser, to place. Composing yourself is like putting your feelings back in order.
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