'composition' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'compositio', where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'positio' meant 'placing'.

'compositio' transformed into the Old French word 'composition', and eventually became the modern English word 'composition' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of putting together', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a work of art or music' and 'the arrangement of elements'.