The act of putting together; assembly.
Understanding composition
• A mixture or compound; the result of composing. .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
• The proportion of different parts to make a whole.
• The general makeup of a thing or person.
• A puzzle created by the composer using chess pieces on a chessboard, which presents the solver with a particular task.
• An agreement or treaty used to settle differences; later especially, an agreement to stop hostilities; a truce.
• A payment of money in order to clear a liability or obligation; a settling or fine. A payment of fine in order to settle a (usually minor) criminal charge.
• A payment of fine in order to settle a (usually minor) criminal charge.
• an agreement or compromise by which a creditor or group of creditors accepts partial payment from a debtor.
• An essay.
• The formation of compound words from separate words.
• A work of music, literature or art.
• Typesetting.
• Applying a function to the result of another.
• The compounding of two velocities or forces into a single equivalent velocity or force.
• Consistency; accord; congruity.
• Synthesis as opposed to analysis.
• The arrangement and flow of elements in a picture.
• Way to combine simple objects or data types into more complex ones.
• The characters, roles, weapons, etc. being used by a team.
How composition affects you
composition appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.
The mechanics of composition
In practice, composition is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.