ensemble
UK[ɒnˈsɒmbl̩]US[ɑnˈsɑmbəl]
n
A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together
n
A set of clothes worn together, especially when they are designed to be complementary
n
The overall effect or result produced by the combination of different elements
Morpheme Breakdown
en
semble
en
semble
Etymology
The word 'ensemble' entered English in the late 18th century from French, where it functioned as an adverb meaning 'together' or 'at the same time'. Its French source is derived from the Late Latin 'insimul', a compound of the Latin preposition 'in' (in) and the adjective 'simul' (at the same time, together). The core logic of 'simul' relates to likeness and simultaneity, evolving from the Proto-Indo-European root sem- (one, together). Thus, the literal sense of 'ensemble' is 'into togetherness' or 'made into a unity'. This foundational meaning of a unified collection logically extended from a general adverb to describe a coordinated group of performers and, later, a coordinated set of garments.
Analysis
Structure: en + semble
en (Latin/French): A prefix meaning 'in', 'into', or 'making'.
semble (Latin/French): From the verb meaning 'to be like', 'to appear', or 'to resemble'.
Examples
The string ensemble will be performing at the city hall this evening.
She wore a stylish blue silk ensemble to the gala.
The garden was a beautiful ensemble of color, texture, and fragrance.