tout ensemble

American  

[too tahn-sahn-bl^uh] / tu tɑ̃ˈsɑ̃ blə /

adverb

French.

1. all together.

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noun

1. the assemblage of parts or details, as in a work of art, considered as forming a whole; the ensemble.

tout ensemble British  

/ tut ɑ̃sɑ̃blə /

adverb

1. everything considered; all in all

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noun

1. the total impression or effect

Etymology

Origin of tout ensemble

First recorded in 1690–1700; from French tout “all” (from Latin tōtus “entire”) + ensemble “together”; see total ( def. ), ensemble ( def. )

Example Sentences

Though each style is distinct, the tout ensemble is in such perfect harmony that it calls for the greatest admiration for the wonderful skill of the several architects.

From Cathedral Cities of England by Gilbert, George

It was his towering, bald forehead, and something of command and savage energy in his lowering face, that redeemed the tout ensemble from an almost brutal vulgarity.

From Checkmate by Le Fanu, Joseph Sheridan

But when he left his bedroom on the morning of Winslow’s arrival, he had considerably more of the English Squire than the Australian Squatter about his tout ensemble.

From From Squire to Squatter A Tale of the Old Land and the New by Stables, Gordon

But it was not so much the movements of the military that attracted my attention, as the tout ensemble of the crowd.

From Memoirs of Service Afloat, During the War Between the States by Semmes, Raphael

The latter had light flaxen ringlets and blue eyes, and the tout ensemble of the features were totally dissimilar.

From The Cavaliers of Virginia or, The Recluse of Jamestown. Vol. II by Caruthers, William A. (Alexander)