composition
gb/kˌɑmpoʊzˈɪʃən/ us/kˌɑmpoʊzˈɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 2900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Arrangement of parts into a whole
The way different parts are put together to make something.
Usage pattern:
the composition of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'composition' with 'compound' in chemistry. 'Composition' describes what something is made of, while 'compound' is a specific substance formed from elements.
Synonyms
structure (Focuses more on the organization and framework of parts rather than the act of arranging them.)
|
makeup (More informal; often refers to the elements that form something.)
Antonyms
disorganization (Refers to a lack of arrangement or order in parts.)
Collocations
chemical composition
|musical composition
|team composition
|composition of the committee
|composition of the painting
Themes
art
|science
|language
|arts_entertainment
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The chemical composition of water is hydrogen and oxygen.
- The composition of the team has changed since last season.
- She studied the composition of the painting carefully.
- The committee discussed the composition of its membership.
- The rock's mineral composition makes it valuable.
Learner examples
- The composition of air includes oxygen and nitrogen.
- The teacher talked about the composition of our group.
- The composition of the cake is flour, sugar, and eggs.
- We learned about the composition of plants.
- This book explains the composition of the Earth.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Written work, especially as an exercise
A short piece of writing, often done for school.
Usage pattern:
write a composition on [topic]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'composition' with 'composing' in music. In an academic context, it usually means a written text, not music.
Synonyms
essay (Typically longer and more formal than a school composition.)
|
paper (Often used for academic writing; may be longer and more research-based.)
Collocations
school composition
|English composition
|write a composition
|composition assignment
Themes
education
|language
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Our homework is to write a composition about our summer holiday.
- She won a prize for her English composition.
- The teacher corrected my composition carefully.
- His first published composition was a short story.
- I have to hand in my history composition tomorrow.
Learner examples
- I wrote a composition about my family.
- Our class wrote a composition on animals.
- He read his composition to the class.
- The teacher liked my composition.
- I need to finish my English composition.
Noun
B1
entity
3
An original piece of music
A piece of music that someone has made.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'composition' with 'song'. A song specifically has lyrics, while a musical composition may be instrumental.
Synonyms
piece (General term for any single work of music; not necessarily original.)
|
score (Refers to the written musical notation for a composition.)
Collocations
classical composition
|piano composition
|original composition
Themes
music
|art
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Mozart's compositions are still performed around the world.
- She played her own piano compositions at the concert.
- This symphony is one of Beethoven's greatest compositions.
- The album features several new compositions by the artist.
- He studied musical composition at university.
Learner examples
- I like this piano composition.
- She wrote a new music composition.
- The band played their own compositions.
- He studied music composition in school.
- This is my first music composition.
Noun
formal
B2
action
4
Process of creating something artistic or organized
The act of making something, like music, writing, or art, from different parts or ideas.
Synonyms
creation (General term for bringing something into existence; not limited to artistic contexts.)
|
crafting (Emphasizes skill and care in making something.)
Collocations
artistic composition
|poetic composition
Themes
art
|language
|arts_entertainment
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her talent for poetic composition was recognized early.
- Musical composition requires both creativity and technical skill.
- The course covers the basics of film composition.
- He devoted his life to artistic composition.
- Composition in photography involves arranging elements in the frame.
Learner examples
- I enjoy the composition of poems.
- Music composition is hard work.
- Composition in art takes time.
- He likes the composition of songs.
- Composition needs ideas and skill.
Grammar
Dictionary form
composition
IPA
GB/kˌɑmpoʊzˈɪʃən/
US/kˌɑmpoʊzˈɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
com - pos - i - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (i)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: composition
- Plural: composition, compositions
Word family
Expressions
composition of matter
1/kˌɑmpoʊzˈɪʃən əv mˈætɚ/
fixed phrase
technical
Makeup and structure of a substance
What something is made from and how it is put together physically.
Examples
- The patent describes the unique composition of matter for this chemical compound.
- Scientists study the composition of matter to understand its properties.
in composition with
1/ˈɪn kˌɑmpoʊzˈɪʃən wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
formal
Working together to create something
Working with someone or something to make something new.
Examples
- The artist worked in composition with the choreographer to produce the show.
- In composition with other scientists, she developed a new theory.