Definition of Composition
Quick Meaning of Composition
What something is made of and how those parts fit together. Or, a piece of music, art, or writing that someone created.
Detailed Definition of Composition
The nature of something as made up of various parts or elements; the way parts are combined; or a piece of music, art, or written work that has been created.
How to Pronounce Composition
Stress pattern: ooOo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the third syllable: kom-puh-ZISH-un. The first two syllables are quick and unstressed.
Watch out: Learners often stress the first syllable (KOM-puh-zish-un) instead of the third. Say: kom-puh-ZISH-un.
Origin and Etymology of Composition
From Latin 'compositio' (putting together). 'Com-' (together) + 'pausis' (placing). Entered English in 13th century.
How to Use Composition in a Sentence
Each example shows “composition” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The composition of the soil affects the types of plants that can grow.”
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“Her musical composition won an international award.”
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“The composition of the team includes experienced and new members.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Composition
Common Synonyms for Composition
Smart Synonyms for Composition — When to Use Each
- makeup
- Informal; refers to what something is made
- structure
- More technical; emphasizes organizational framework
- work
- Refers to artistic creation; narrower and less formal
Common Collocations with Composition
These phrases pair with “composition” in everyday English:
- chemical composition
- ethnic composition
- musical composition
- composition of
- composition essay
Common Mistakes When Using Composition
Even fluent speakers slip up with “composition”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The compositions of the team is very diverse.
- ✓ Correct: The composition of the team is very diverse.
- Why: 'Composition' is singular when referring to the makeup of one thing; 'composition' + singular verb 'is'.
- ✗ Wrong: She wrote an composition for the concert.
- ✓ Correct: She wrote a composition for the concert.
- Why: 'Composition' begins with consonant sound 'k'; use 'a' not 'an'.
- ✗ Wrong: The composition between different cultures is important.
- ✓ Correct: The composition of different cultures is important. / The relationship between different cultures is important.
- Why: 'Composition of' describes what makes up something; 'between' suggests comparison.
Other Forms of Composition
- Noun: composition
- Verb: compose
- Adjective: composed
- Adverb: composedly
Frequently Asked Questions About Composition
What is the meaning of "Composition"?
What something is made of and how those parts fit together. Or, a piece of music, art, or writing that someone created.
How do you pronounce "Composition"?
The IPA is /ˌkɑːmpəˈzɪʃən/. Stress the third syllable: kom-puh-ZISH-un. The first two syllables are quick and unstressed.
What part of speech is "Composition"?
"Composition" is a noun at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Composition"?
Common synonyms include structure, makeup, arrangement.
How do you use "Composition" in a sentence?
For example: "The composition of the soil affects the types of plants that can grow."