comprised: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, written, often technical/business/academic.
Quick answer
What does “comprised” mean?
To consist of, to be made up of.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To consist of, to be made up of.
1. To be made up of various elements or parts. 2. (Less traditional) To constitute or make up (something).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage patterns are largely similar, with the traditional 'comprises' pattern preferred in careful writing. The disputed 'is comprised of' is common in both varieties, though perhaps slightly more frequent in American English.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation. The disputed forms are considered informal or incorrect by style guides in both regions.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in formal writing. In casual speech, simpler words like 'includes' or 'made up of' are more common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “comprised” in a Sentence
[Whole] comprises [parts]. (Traditional)[Whole] is comprised of [parts]. (Disputed but common)[Parts] comprise [whole]. (Alternative, also disputed by some)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comprised” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The federation comprises sixteen independent states.
- The course comprises lectures, seminars, and a final dissertation.
American English
- The anthology comprises works from twelve authors.
- The committee comprises five senators and three representatives.
adverb
British English
- [No adverbial form]
American English
- [No adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival use. Past participle used adjectivally: 'a committee comprised of experts']
American English
- [No standard adjectival use. Past participle used adjectivally: 'a team comprised of veterans']
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The portfolio is comprised of diverse assets.
Academic
The dataset comprised responses from 500 participants.
Everyday
The team's mainly comprised of local players.
Technical
The alloy is comprised of nickel, titanium, and trace elements.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comprised”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “comprised”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comprised”
- Using 'comprised of' actively (e.g., 'The book comprised of ten chapters' – incorrect). Correct: 'The book comprised ten chapters.' or 'The book was comprised of ten chapters.' (latter disputed).
- Overusing 'comprised' in casual speech where 'made up of' is more natural.
- Confusing 'comprises' (active) with 'is composed of' (passive) in strict usage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is very common, especially in business and casual writing, but it is often criticised by grammarians and style guides as redundant or illogical. In formal writing, 'comprises', 'consists of', or 'is composed of' are safer choices.
'Comprises' suggests a complete listing of all parts. 'Includes' suggests a partial listing, highlighting some elements among others. 'The hotel complex comprises three buildings' (there are only three). 'The hotel complex includes a spa' (the spa is one of its features, among others not necessarily listed).
Yes, grammatically you can. 'Comprised of local volunteers, the committee began its work.' However, this uses the disputed passive form. A more traditional alternative would be 'Comprising local volunteers, the committee...' or 'Made up of local volunteers, the committee...'
Yes, it is most at home in formal, written contexts like reports, academic papers, and official documents. In everyday conversation, phrases like 'made up of', 'consists of', or 'has' are more natural.
To consist of, to be made up of.
Comprised: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpraɪzd/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpraɪzd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no specific idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRIZE inside a COMpany. The prize (the whole) is made up of (comprises) all the parts the company assembled.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR CONTENTS (The whole is a container holding its parts).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is traditionally considered the most correct?