en masse — in a mass; all together; as a whole group
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a mass; all together; as a whole group
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɑːn ˈmæs/
Example Sentences
- The penguins waddled en masse toward the ocean like a formal dinner party running late.
- Students left the boring lecture en masse, leaving the professor talking to empty chairs.
- The citizens protested en masse against the new tax policy.
en masse
ADVERB[/ɑːn ˈmæs/]
in a mass; all together; as a whole group
The fans rushed the field en masse after the winning goal.
The class moves en masse from room to grass!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
A French phrase borrowed directly into English meaning 'in a group' or 'collectively.' The expression entered English usage in the 18th century and has been employed to describe actions undertaken by large numbers of people simultaneously.
Breakdown
en (in) + masse (mass), literally 'in mass,' where masse derives from Latin massa meaning a lump or bulk of material, combined with the French preposition en to express collective or simultaneous action.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The penguins waddled en masse toward the ocean like a formal dinner party running late.”
“Students left the boring lecture en masse, leaving the professor talking to empty chairs.”
“The citizens protested en masse against the new tax policy.”
“Birds migrate en masse during autumn to escape the cold weather.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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