comprise

Meaning

Verb

• To be made up of; to consist of (especially a comprehensive list of parts).
• To compose; to constitute.In the passive voice, the use of of with comprise (is/are comprised of) may be regarded as tautological because the same meaning can be expressed in the active (comprises) without of, or with composed of, which is both synonymous and non-tautological (since compose in this sense always requires of).
• To contain or embrace.
• To include, contain, or be made up of, defining the minimum elements, whether essential or inessential to define an invention.

Origin

• From Middle English comprisen, from Old French compris, past participle of comprendre, from Latin comprehendere, contr. comprendere, past participle comprehensus; see comprehend. Compare apprise, reprise, surprise.