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”; total ( def. ), ensemble ( def. )

Example Sentences

Taken tout ensemble this west front—of modern design and workmanship—is far more expressive of the excellent and true proportions of the medi�val workers than is usually the case.

From The Cathedrals of Southern France by Mansfield, M. F. (Milburg Francisco)

A white band bound across the chin up to the lips suggests a broken jaw, and the tout ensemble of the various wrappings of the head a perennial toothache.

From Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan, Volume I (of 2) Including a Summer in the Upper Karun Region and a Visit to the Nestorian Rayahs by Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)

Individually these features were distinctly attractive, but there was something about the tout ensemble that supplied an immediate answer to the owner's extremely frank question.

From "Pip" A Romance of Youth by Hay, Ian

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

Otherwise the hearer's attention will be diverted from the tout ensemble.

From Johann Sebastian Bach by Forkel, Johann Nikolaus