Words / B2

k-uh-m-PRYZ/kəmˈpraɪz/

Comprise means “be made up of”: the team comprises six people. Careful British usage still prefers the whole comprises the parts, not “comprises of.” Consist of is the safer everyday pattern (the team consists of six people). Include means some of the parts, not the full list. In speech, is made up of is the plain choice.

Meaning

To be made up of particular parts.

Examples

• “The course comprises twelve lessons.”
• “The book comprises ten short chapters.”
• “The panel comprised two teachers and a parent.”

Good to know

The whole comprises the parts. Avoid “comprises of.” Safer: consist of.

Near in meaning

consist of

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