composition
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Latin compositiō.
Pronunciation [edit]
Noun [edit]
composition (plural compositions)
- The proportion of different parts to make a whole. [from 14th c.]
- The general makeup of something. [from 14th c.]
- (obsolete) An agreement or treaty used to settle differences; later especially, an agreement to stop hostilities; a truce. [14th-19th c.]
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, I.40:
- It will stoope and yeeld upon better compositions to him that shall make head against it.
- 1630, John Smith, True travels, in Kupperman 1988, p. 50:
- with an incredible courage they advanced to the push of the Pike with the defendants, that with the like courage repulsed [...], that the Turks retired and fled into the Castle, from whence by a flag of truce they desired composition.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, I.40:
- (obsolete) An agreement to pay money in order to clear a liability or obligation; a settling. [16th-19th c.]
- 1745, Edward Young, Night-Thoughts, II:
- Insidious death! should his strong hand arrest, / No composition sets the prisoner free.
- 1745, Edward Young, Night-Thoughts, II:
- (law) an agreement or compromise by which a creditor or group of creditors accepts partial payment from a debtor.
- A mixture or compound; the result of composing. [from 16th c.]
- An essay. [from 16th c.]
- (linguistics) The formation of compound words from separate words. [from 16th c.]
- A work of music, literature or art. [from 17th c.]
- 1816, Jane Austen A letter dated 8 September 1818:
- ...and how good Mrs. West could have written such books and collected so many hard words, with all her family cares, is still more a matter of astonishment. Composition seems to me impossible with a head full of joints of mutton and doses of rhubarb.
- 1816, Jane Austen A letter dated 8 September 1818:
- (printing) typesetting. [from 19th c.]
Synonyms [edit]
- See also Wikisaurus:musical composition
Related terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
combining of different parts to make a whole
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general makeup of something
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mixture or compound
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work of music, literature or art
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essay
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Translations to be checked
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