ensemble

Where does the word "ensemble" come from? It comes from Latin insimul, passing through French before entering English (1700s).

Ensemble’s story begins in Latin: insimul meant “at the same time, together.” Literally at the same time, together. By medieval, the word had taken hold in French as ensemble. Carried into French for things or people acting together. It reached English by 1700s as ensemble. Settled as the word for a group performing or working together. Today, ensemble means a group of musicians, performers, or items considered as a unified whole.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient insimul "at the same time, together", literally at the same time, together.
2. Stage 2 · French · medieval ensemble "together, as a unified whole", carried into French for things or people acting together.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1700s ensemble "a group of performers or things working together as a whole", settled as the word for a group performing or working together.