componer
Lemma Details
Translation: to compose; to repair; to fix; to arrange; to put together; to make up
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'componere', formed by 'com-' (together) + 'ponere' (to place, put). The English cognate 'compose' shares the same Latin root. The original meaning of placing things together evolved into the various senses of arranging, fixing, and creating compositions. The connection to 'position', 'component', and 'composition' in English is clear, all relating to the idea of placing elements in relation to each other.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El músico compone una nueva canción.
The musician is composing a new song.
Necesito componer mi bicicleta.
I need to repair my bicycle.
Vamos a componer la sala para la fiesta.
Let's arrange the living room for the party.
Este equipo se compone de cinco personas.
This team is made up of five people.
Mnemonics
- Think 'com-PONER' as 'putting together' (poner = to put).
- Remember 'compose' in English - they share the same root and similar meanings.
- The 'com' prefix suggests 'together' (as in 'combine'), and 'poner' means 'to put' - so 'putting together'.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish music and arts, 'componer' is frequently used to refer to the creative process. In everyday language, it's commonly used for fixing broken items or arranging things in order.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'poner' means 'to put' or 'to place', 'componer' has the additional meanings of arranging, repairing, or creating compositions. 'Componer' implies putting things together in a specific order or fixing something broken.
Notes: 'Componer' is often used for creative or repair activities, while 'poner' is more basic placement.
Mnemonic: 'Componer' has 'com' (together) + 'poner' (to put) = putting together or fixing; 'poner' is just placing something.
Explanation: 'Proponer' means 'to propose' or 'to suggest', while 'componer' means 'to compose', 'to repair', or 'to arrange'. They share the root 'poner' but have different prefixes that change their meaning.
Confused word:
Voy a proponer una nueva idea en la reunión.
I'm going to propose a new idea at the meeting.
Notes: Both verbs are irregular and follow similar conjugation patterns.
Mnemonic: Think of 'pro' in 'proponer' as 'putting forward' (a proposal), while 'com' in 'componer' is about 'putting together' (composing).