comprise
To consist of or be made up of specific parts
Examples
In a meeting
“The committee comprises representatives from five different departments.”
Over coffee
“Our book club comprises eight members from the neighborhood.”
Why this word
include
Comprise means to contain all parts of a whole, while include suggests only some parts may be listed
contain
Comprise specifies the complete composition, while contain is vaguer about whether all elements are mentioned
consist of
Comprise is more formal and concise than the phrase consist of, though meanings are similar
Usage tip
The whole comprises the parts—avoid 'comprised of' which is considered incorrect
Etymology
French: compris (past participle of comprendre 'to comprehend, include')
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Related words
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
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More than enough; plentiful and sufficient.
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Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
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Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
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So intense as to seem almost touchable; easily perceived
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Filled or well-supplied with something, abundantly provided