To comprise something has the same meaning, often implying that the whole is regarded from the point of view of its individual parts: The programme comprises two short plays (they were chosen to make it up).
To consist of something is to be made up of it: The programme consisted of two short plays.
To constitute something is to form a whole, especially of dissimilar components: Wealth and health do not necessarily constitute happiness.
To compose means the same, but implies that the components have something in common: Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen. A common mistake is to confuse consist and comprise, saying, for example: The programme is comprised of two short plays.
• The Romance family of languages consists of French, Spanish, Italian, and several other languages.
• The house comprises two bedrooms, a kitchen and a living room.
• The jury was composed of nine whites, one Hispanic, and two Asian Americans.
