ensemble
/ɒnˈsɒmbl/ (bre, ipa) · /ɑːnˈsɑːmbl/ (ame, ipa) · /än-ˈsäm-bəl äⁿ-/ (ame, mw)
ensemble — noun
- ensemblesingular
- ensemblesplural
1. Several musicians who regularly perform together as a coordinated team, playing
Several musicians who regularly perform together as a coordinated team, playing instruments or singing.
Eri plays the violin in a chamber ensemble that practises every Tuesday evening.
collocation: chamber ensemble / string ensemble
The jazz ensemble at the school festival included a pianist, a bassist, and a drummer.
Salma's choir is a vocal ensemble that specialises in traditional African songs.
The quartet is one of the finest string ensembles in the country.
文法句型
ensemble + of + [plural noun phrase]
followed by singular/plural verb
用法筆記
Often used with a modifier specifying the type of group: 'chamber ensemble', 'jazz ensemble', 'string ensemble', 'vocal ensemble'. The word is more formal than 'band' and usually implies a smaller group than 'orchestra'.
常見錯誤
2. A cast of actors appearing in a theatrical production or on screen, with no sing
A cast of actors appearing in a theatrical production or on screen, with no single member dominating the performance.
The film's ensemble brought together actors from five different countries.
Tariro prefers working in an ensemble cast rather than playing the lead role.
collocation: ensemble cast
The theatre company is an ensemble with no permanent star performers.
The new television series has a large ensemble of characters that change each season.
文法句型
ensemble + of + [plural noun phrase]
用法筆記
When referring to a film or show, 'ensemble cast' is the most common collocation. Contrast with a star vehicle, where one actor dominates screen time.
常見錯誤
3. Separate items or individuals viewed together as a unified whole, often because
Separate items or individuals viewed together as a unified whole, often because they work well together.
The museum's new exhibition is an ensemble of sculptures from different parts of West Africa.
collocation: ensemble of [things]
The buildings on this street form a harmonious architectural ensemble.
architectural ensemble
Talia selected an ensemble of poems for her literature course project.
The charity brought together an ensemble of volunteers from many different age groups.
- collection
more general; does not imply that items form a harmonious whole
- set
simpler and more common; neutral in tone
- combination
focuses on how items work or fit together
- assemblage
more formal and less common; used especially in art
文法句型
ensemble + of + [plural noun phrase]
用法筆記
This is the most abstract sense of 'ensemble'. It is often used in formal or artistic contexts. The things or people grouped together are usually seen as forming a pleasing or effective whole.
4. A set of clothing items that are designed or chosen to be worn together as a com
A set of clothing items that are designed or chosen to be worn together as a complete and coordinated look.
Heloísa wore a stylish ensemble of a cream jacket and matching dark trousers.
collocation: wear an ensemble
The tailor designed a matching ensemble for the bride and her bridesmaids.
Ignacio chose a casual ensemble of jeans and a linen shirt for the garden party.
The fashion show opened with an elegant evening ensemble in gold and black silk.
用法筆記
In fashion contexts, 'ensemble' suggests a carefully planned and coordinated set of clothes — often including accessories — whereas 'outfit' is a more general term for any combination of clothes worn together.
常見錯誤
ensemble — adjective
- ensemblepositive
- more ensemblecomparative
- most ensemblesuperlative
1. Describing a performance or production in which all performers share equal impor
Describing a performance or production in which all performers share equal importance and work together as a group, rather than featuring a single star.
The director chose an ensemble approach, giving each actor equal time on stage.
collocation: ensemble approach
This is an ensemble film with no single character dominating the story.
collocation: ensemble film
The dance company is famous for its strong ensemble work rather than solo performances.
Liang prefers ensemble theatre where every cast member plays a meaningful role.
- collective
broader meaning; not limited to performance contexts
- collaborative
focuses on the working process rather than the performance structure
- star-driven
centred on one lead performer
- solo
featuring a single performer
文法句型
ensemble + [noun]
用法筆記
Only used before a noun (attributive position). You cannot say 'The performance was ensemble.' Instead say 'It was an ensemble piece.' Common collocations: 'ensemble cast', 'ensemble film', 'ensemble piece', 'ensemble theatre'.