Usage note:Comprise has had an interesting history of sense development. In addition to its original senses, dating from the 15th century, “to include” and “to consist of

” (
The United States of America comprises 50 states),
comprise has had since the late 18th century the meaning “to form or constitute” (
Fifty states comprise the United States of America). Since the late 19th century it has also been used in passive constructions with a sense synonymous with that of one of its original meanings “to consist of, be composed of

”:
The United States of America is comprised of 50 states. These later uses are often criticized, but they occur with increasing frequency even in formal speech and writing.