To include or contain as parts of a whole; to consist of or be made up of specified elements. The whole comprises the parts, not the other way around.
From French 'compris,' past participle of 'comprendre' meaning 'to include' or 'to understand,' from Latin 'comprehendere' (to grasp or include). The word entered English maintaining its sense of inclusion or containment.
Remember: the WHOLE comprises the PARTS. Think 'The pizza comprises eight slices'—not 'Eight slices comprise the pizza.' It's like saying 'The box contains the items,' never 'The items contain the box!'
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