The idiom "tout de suite" means to do something immediately or without delay. When you act "tout de suite," you are quickly addressing a situation or responding to a request.

In short:

"Tout de suite" means to do something immediately or without any delay.

What Does "Tout de Suite" Mean?

People use the idiom "tout de suite" when they want to emphasize the urgency of a task or the need to respond promptly. This phrase is common in both formal and informal contexts and is synonymous with phrases such as "right away," "at once," and "immediately."

• Acting without delay
• Responding promptly
• Addressing an urgent task

The idiom "tout de suite" is of French origin and has been borrowed into the English language.

Where Does "Tout de Suite" Come From?

The phrase "tout de suite" comes from the French language, where "tout" means "all" or "everything," and "de suite" means "in a row" or "continuously." When combined, the phrase translates to "immediately" or "right away." The idiom has been adopted into English as a loan word and is used to convey a sense of urgency or immediacy in a given situation.

Historical Usage

"When the French Academicians were busy with their famous Dictionary, the members of the committee were at odds as to defining de suite and tout de suite."

—Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly, 1885

10 Examples of "Tout de Suite" in Sentences

• He asked me to complete the task tout de suite to meet the deadline.
• When she realized she had left her purse at the restaurant, she went back tout de suite to retrieve it.
• My boss wanted the report on his desk tout de suite before the meeting.
• If you feel unwell during the trip, inform the guide tout de suite.
• The doctor advised her to start the treatment tout de suite to prevent complications.
• When the alarm went off, everyone evacuated the building tout de suite.
• He asked her to call him back tout de suite when she received the message.
• If there is an issue with your order, please contact customer service tout de suite.
• When he heard about the accident, he rushed to the hospital tout de suite to check on his friend.
• The manager asked the staff to clean up the spill tout de suite to prevent accidents.

Examples of "Tout de Suite" in Pop Culture

• The book "Learn French In A Hurry: Grasp the Basics of Francais Tout De Suite" by Laura Lawless provides a quick but comprehensive foundation in conversational French.
• In the lyrics "I'll hop down off this shelf and, tout de suite, be myself," from the movie Beauty and the Beast (1991), Lumiere uses 'tout de suite' to convey that he will immediately and without delay return to his true self.
• “Open forty dozen oysters for us de suite, and serve them tout de suite" is a quote from the book "Old and New Paris: Its History, Its People, and Its Places" by British journalist Henry Sutherland Edwards.

Other Ways to Say "Tout de Suite"

There are several other ways to express the meaning of "tout de suite" in English.

Some of these alternatives include:

• Immediately
• Right away
• At once
• Without delay
• Instantly
• Promptly
• Without hesitation
• As soon as possible
• Pronto
• Posthaste

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Tout de Suite":

• What does "tout de suite" mean?

"Tout de suite" means to do something immediately or without any delay.

• What is the origin of the idiom?

The idiom "tout de suite" comes from the French language and has been borrowed into the English language to convey a sense of urgency or immediacy.

• How can I use "tout de suite" in a sentence?

You can use "tout de suite" in a sentence to express that something needs to be done immediately or without delay, such as, "Please submit the report tout de suite."

• Are there any synonyms for "tout de suite"?

Some synonyms for "tout de suite" include immediately, right away, at once, without delay, instantly, promptly, without hesitation, as soon as possible, pronto, and posthaste.

• Can "tout de suite" be used formally and informally?

Yes, "tout de suite" can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the context and the desired meaning.

• What are some common phrases that use "tout de suite"?

"Tout de suite" is typically used on its own as an idiomatic expression in English. It does not commonly appear in other phrases.

• Are there any regional differences in the use of "tout de suite"?

"Tout de suite" is used in both American and British English. However, it may be more commonly recognized by speakers familiar with French or those who have a background in literature or formal writing.

• Can "tout de suite" be used in a negative context?

"Tout de suite" can be used in a negative context if the urgent action being requested is undesirable or unfavorable. For example, "We need to address the problem tout de suite before it gets worse."

• When do you choose "tout de suite" over other phrases for immediacy?

Choose "tout de suite" when you want to emphasize urgency or add a touch of formality to your request. Other phrases such as 'right away,' 'immediately,' or 'as soon as possible' can be used interchangeably based on the tone and context of your communication.

• How do you pronounce "tout de suite"?

You pronounce "tout de suite" as /tu də swit/ in French phonetics or "too duh sweet" in English approximation.

Summary and Conclusion

The expression "tout de suite" means to do something immediately or without delay. This phrase has its origins in the French language and has been borrowed into English to convey urgency or immediacy. "Tout de suite" can be used in both formal and informal settings, and its meaning is similar to other phrases like 'right away,' 'immediately,' or 'as soon as possible.' When you need to emphasize the need for urgent action or response, don't hesitate to use 'tout de suite' in your communications.