'comprise' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'compris,' where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'pris' meant 'taken.'

'compris' transformed into the English word 'comprise' and eventually became the modern English word 'comprising' through the addition of the present participle suffix '-ing'.

Initially, it meant 'to include or contain,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.