Definition

1. Noun:
   • A group of musicians, actors, or dancers who perform together: Refers to a collective of performers functioning as a unit.
   • A set of items viewed as a whole: Refers to a collection of parts or details that together create a complete, unified impression, such as in art, music, or clothing.
   • The overall effect of such a coordinated whole: Emphasizes the unified impression created by the combination of elements.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The string ensemble will perform at the ceremony. (A group of musicians playing string instruments.)
  • The architect admired the beautiful ensemble of the building's facade. (The unified whole formed by the architectural details.)
  • She wore a stylish ensemble of a blazer, skirt, and scarf. (A coordinated outfit considered as a single unit.)

Advanced Usage

• In music: Often specifies the type of group (e.g., , ). It emphasizes collaborative performance rather than solo work.
  • The piece was written for a small brass ensemble.
• In theater and film: Refers to a group of supporting performers or the collaborative performance of the entire cast.
  • The film's strength lies in its superb ensemble acting.
• As a collective noun: Can be used with a singular or plural verb, though the singular is more common when referring to the group as a single unit.
  • The ensemble is/are tuning their instruments.

Variants and Related Words

• Ensemblist (n, rare): A member of an ensemble.
• Ensemble playing/acting (n): The performance style emphasizing group cohesion over individual prominence.

Synonyms

• Group: A general term for a number of people or things located, gathered, or classed together.
• Company: A group of actors, singers, or dancers.
• Collection: A group of things or people.
• Whole: A thing that is complete in itself.

Related Phrases

• Ensemble cast: A casting style in film or theater where multiple principal actors and performers share roughly equal amounts of screen time and importance.
  • The show features an ensemble cast, with no single clear protagonist.
• In ensemble: Performing together as a group.
  • The instruments sounded beautiful in ensemble.

Related Idioms

• (To function) as an ensemble: To work together in a coordinated, harmonious way.
  • The team succeeded because they learned to operate as an ensemble.

Noun

1. a coordinated outfit (set of clothing)
2. an assemblage of parts or details (as in a work of art) considered as forming a whole
3. the chorus of a ballet company
4. a cast other than the principals
5. a group of musicians playing or singing together
   • a string ensemble