I understand the difference between them. "constitute", "form", "make up", "compose" and "comprise" can all mean that something is composed of several parts. Although their meanings are similar, there are some subtle differences in their usage. We have made a table for everyone, summarizing their meaning, pronunciation, grammar, tone, usage, etc., to take a look at their differences, which will make it easier to compare and understand
The following are the five main differences between them Differences and examples of each difference:
1. Meaning:
"constitute" emphasizes the ingredients necessary to make something up.
Example: The rules of the club constitute a binding agreement among the members.
Chinese translation: The rules of the club constitute an agreement among the members.
"form" is usually used to represent the basic components of something.
Example: The letters form a word.
Chinese translation: These letters form a word.
"make up" focuses on emphasizing the components of something.
Example: The crowd was made up of people of all ages.
Chinese translation: The crowd was made up of people of all ages.
"compose" focuses on expressing the quality of the components of something.
Example: The poem is composed of vivid imagery and strong emotions.
Chinese translation: This poem is composed of vivid imagery and strong emotions.
"comprise" emphasizes that something is composed of several components and is often used in the passive voice.
Example: The team is comprised of players from all over the world.
Chinese translation: This team is comprised of players from all over the world.
2. Grammar:
"constitute" and "make up" are usually followed by nouns or pronouns indicating the whole, while "form" and "compose" are usually followed by parts. Noun or pronoun.
Example: The committee is constituted of ten members.
Chinese translation: The committee is constituted of ten members.
Example: The committee is made up of ten members.
Chinese translation: The committee is made up of ten members.
Example: These states form the United States of America.
Chinese translation: These states form the United States of America.
Example: The book is composed of three parts.
Chinese translation: This book is composed of three parts.
3. Object:
"constitute" is usually used to describe the necessary components that form a whole.
Example: The ingredients constitute the recipe.
Chinese translation: These ingredients constitute the recipe.
"form" is usually used to describe the basic unit that makes up things.
Example: The cells form the tissue.
Chinese translation: These cells form the tissue.
"make up" focuses on describing the individual components that make up something.
Example: The committee is made up of representatives from different departments.
Chinese translation: The committee is made up of representatives from different departments.
"compose" focuses on describing the qualities or attributes contained in the constituent parts of something.
Example: The painting is composed of vibrant colors and bold lines.
Chinese translation: This painting is composed of vibrant colors and bold lines.
"comprise" emphasizes the components of something.
Example: The team includes players from different countries.
Chinese translation: This team includes players from different countries.
4. Tone:
"constitute" and "comprise" are usually used in more formal occasions, and the tone is relatively more solemn and rigorous.
Example: The committee is constituted of ten members.
Chinese translation: The committee is constituted of ten members.
Example: The United States constitutes fifty states.
Chinese translation: The United States consists of fifty states.
"form", "make up" and "compose" are more commonly used in spoken and informal situations.
Example: The ingredients make up the recipe.
Chinese translation: These ingredients make up the recipe.
Example: The band is formed by four musicians.
Chinese translation: The band is formed by four musicians.
5. Quantity:
"constitute" and "comprise" both emphasize the components of something, and both mean that these parts are the whole.
Example: The committee is constituted of ten members, and no more.
Chinese translation: The committee is constituted of ten members, and no more.
Example: The team comprises players from all over the world.
Chinese translation: This team consists of players from all over the world.
"form", "make up" and "compose" do not have this restriction and can indicate that the number of components can be more or less than all.
Example: The cells form the tissue, but not all cells are the same.
Chinese translation: These cells form the tissue, but not all cells are the same.
Example: The crowd was made up of people of all ages, but mostly young people.
Chinese translation: The crowd was made up of people of all ages, but mostly young people.
In general, "constitute", "form", "make up", "compose" and "comprise" all have some subtle differences in meaning, grammar, tone and quantity. In actual use, you can choose which word to use based on the specific context and needs.