Comprise: Definition, Correct Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：consist of (comprise)

comprise 🔊

/kəmˈpraɪz/

vt.

It means that something includes or is made up of different parts that form a whole.

Illustration of the word comprise: a box comprising an apple, book, mug, and pencil.

consist of 🔊

➕

/kənˈsɪst əv/

vt.

To be composed of or formed by various parts.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'comprehendere', meaning 'to grasp together'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'COMprise' as 'COMbine parts to make a PRIZe' – all parts together form the prize.

📖 Example

The forest ecosystem comprises trees, animals, insects, and microorganisms. 🔊 The forest ecosystem consists of trees, animals, insects, and microorganisms.

🔗 Collocations

comprise various elements – to include different components

be comprised of – to be made up of (informal usage)

comprise the majority – to form the larger part

🔄 Synonyms

include (vt.) – to contain as part of a whole

consist of (phr.v.) – to be composed of

be composed of (phr.v.) – to be formed by

🚫 Antonyms

exclude (vt.) – to leave out or not include

omit (vt.) – to fail to include

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'comprehendere' (to grasp together), via Old French. Now frequently used in formal contexts like legal and academic writing to denote inclusion.