ensuite
UK[ˌɒnˈswiːt]US[ˌɑːnˈswiːt]
adj
(of a bathroom) immediately adjoining and accessible from a bedroom
n
a bathroom that is immediately adjoining and accessible from a bedroom
Morpheme Breakdown
en
suite
en
in, into
suite
a sequence, a set, a series
Etymology
The word "ensuite" is a direct borrowing from French, where the phrase "en suite" literally means "in sequence" or "as part of a set". In architectural and real estate terminology, it was adopted into English to describe a private bathroom that is connected to and forms a sequence with a bedroom. The logic is clear: the bathroom is "in the series" of rooms that constitute the private living quarters. This usage reflects a modern specialization of the original French phrase, focusing on the concept of connected, private access within a domestic suite of rooms.
Analysis
Structure: en + suite
- en: From French, ultimately from Latin 'in', meaning "in, into". In this context, it functions as a prefix indicating "in, within".
- suite: From French, meaning "a sequence, a set, a series". In this context, it refers to a connected set of rooms.
Examples
The master bedroom has an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
All rooms in the hotel are ensuite, offering greater privacy for guests.
They decided to add an ensuite to the main bedroom during the renovation.