composite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "composite" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to something made up of various parts or elements, often in mathematics, art, or materials science. Example: "The composite material used in the construction of the bridge provides both strength and flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On a composite "healthy lives" score, which includes deaths among infants and patients who would have survived had they received timely and effective healthcare, the UK came 10th.

The Guardian

Subotsky's Marrakech seemed a world away from Power's still, almost stately, composite portraits of the city and its people and Goldberg's mix of monochrome and colour portraits and landscapes.

The Guardian - Arts

While the tone of the instrument, with its patented carbon composite soundboard, is rich, the action is incredibly light, recalling older models from the dawn of the piano, before manufacturers began to prioritise power to appeal to romantics such as Liszt.

The Guardian - Music

I was, and I remain, opposed to MPs becoming prisoners of local caucuses and the parliamentary leadership being hamstrung - or even intimidated by "composite resolutions" which are drafted in haste and supported on a reflex.

The Guardian

Jessica Hinds, a European economist at Capital Economics, said: "April's fall in the eurozone composite PMI suggested that fears over Greece might already be starting to dampen economic growth in the region, offsetting any boost from loose monetary policy and the weakness of the euro.

The Guardian - Business

A new composite score featuring music by David Byrne, Marc Ribot and Thierry de Mey weaves together these fragments - mapping the influence that Vandekeybus has wielded over the European dance scene.

The Guardian

It's just a tale, of course, indeed a composite tale; no names, no packdrill.

The Economist

The Milken Institute, a think-tank in California, compiles an index of "best-performing cities" in America, a composite measure of such things as job creation, wage growth and whether businesses are thriving.

The Economist

Britain also had a weak first quarter and the euro zone, although recovering, is hardly sprinting: its composite purchasing managers' index (covering both services and manufacturing) fell in May.Throw in the weak emerging-market data and it might seem as if the global economy is slowing significantly.

The Economist

Researchers at CTC, a cable-maker working with the University of Southern California, think this composite cable could carry twice as much power as a conventional one.

The Economist

One alternative is a cable that uses a combination of aluminium and carbon-glass fibre composite.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "composite" to describe a material, ensure you specify the components to provide a clear understanding of its properties.

Common error

Avoid using "composite" without detailing its constituent materials. This can lead to confusion about its strength, flexibility, or other relevant characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The word "composite" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something made up of multiple components or elements. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "composite" is a versatile descriptor, most commonly used as an adjective to indicate that something is formed from multiple components. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using the word "composite", clarity is key; it is best practice to specify the constituent materials or elements to provide a comprehensive understanding. Alternatives such as "compound", "complex", and "mixed" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compound

Refers to something made up of two or more parts or elements.

complex

Implies a combination of multiple interconnected parts.

mixed

Suggests a blend or combination of different things.

blended

Similar to "mixed", emphasizing the smooth integration of components.

integrated

Highlights the unified nature of the different parts.

combined

A general term for bringing different things together.

composite material

Specifically refers to a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

aggregate

Suggests a collection of items gathered into a mass or whole.

multi-part

Emphasizes that something consists of multiple parts.

constituent

Focuses on the elements or parts that make up a whole.

FAQs

How is "composite" used in materials science?

In materials science, "composite" describes a material made from two or more distinct materials with different physical or chemical properties. These materials are combined to produce a material with characteristics superior to those of the individual components.

What does "composite" mean in the context of an index or score?

When referring to an index or score, "composite" indicates that the value is calculated from multiple different factors or metrics to give a single, combined result. For example, a "composite index" might consider economic indicators, market performance, and other elements.

What are some synonyms for "composite" when describing something made of different parts?

Alternatives to "composite" include "compound", "complex", or "mixed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How does a "composite" material differ from an alloy?

While both are mixtures of materials, a "composite" typically involves distinct materials with different properties combined on a macroscopic level, whereas an alloy is a metallic substance formed by combining two or more metals (or a metal with a nonmetal) where the components are typically mixed on an atomic level.