comprize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely Rare / ObsoleteArchaic, Non-standard, Literary (if encountered)
Quick answer
What does “comprize” mean?
An archaic or non-standard variant of 'comprise', meaning to consist of, be composed of, or include.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic or non-standard variant of 'comprise', meaning to consist of, be composed of, or include.
Used to indicate that something contains or is made up of various parts. Sometimes used (archaically or erroneously) to mean 'compose' or 'constitute'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'comprize' is not standard in either variety. Its occasional archaic use might be marginally more likely in British historical texts, but it is effectively extinct in both. The modern standard 'comprise' is used identically in both BrE and AmE.
Connotations
If encountered, it connotes either a typographical error, a learner's mistake, or a deliberate attempt to sound antiquated.
Frequency
Virtually zero frequency in contemporary corpora for both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “comprize” in a Sentence
The whole ~s the parts (active)Be ~d of (passive, considered non-standard by purists)Examples
Examples of “comprize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The collection did not comprize any first editions. (archaic)
- The committee shall comprize five elected members. (archaic)
American English
- The union was to comprize thirteen original states. (historical)
- The package will comprize several key components. (non-standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used; would be marked as an error.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comprize”
- Using 'comprize' instead of 'comprise'.
- Using 'is comprised of' (still debated, but often criticised).
- Using 'comprise' to mean 'compose' (e.g., 'Fifty states comprise the USA' – this is the 'opposite' usage, considered correct by some but confusing to many).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'comprize' is an obsolete or non-standard spelling. The correct modern spelling is 'comprise'.
It may be a spelling error by analogy with verbs like 'organize' and 'realize', or an encounter with an archaic text. Historically, the '-ize' spelling was common, but 'comprise' has standardised with '-ise' in both BrE and AmE.
'Comprise' means 'to include or contain': The whole comprises the parts. 'Compose' means 'to make up': The parts compose the whole. A common phrase is 'is composed of'.
The phrase 'is comprised of' (e.g., 'The book is comprised of ten chapters') is frequently used but is still criticised by many style guides and grammarians as illogical. It is safer to use 'is composed of', 'consists of', or simply 'comprises' ('The book comprises ten chapters').
An archaic or non-standard variant of 'comprise', meaning to consist of, be composed of, or include.
Comprize is usually archaic, non-standard, literary (if encountered) in register.
Comprize: in British English it is pronounced /kəmˈpraɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəmˈpraɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: The correct spelling is COMPRISE. Think 'The prize is inside' – but the prize (i) is actually inside the word: compri**s**e.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR CONTENTS (The nation comprises states).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct, standard modern spelling?