comprise

The story

1. Latin · derived fromcomprehendere
2. Old French · derived fromcompris
3. Middle English · inherited fromcomprisen
4. English todaycomprise

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

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• from the earlier 15th c. To be made up of; to consist of (especially a comprehensive list of parts).
• from the 17th c. To compose; to constitute.