WordGarden.iodecorate
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɛkərˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈdɛkərˌeɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to add color, ornaments, or design details to make something look more attractive
to paint, furnish, or arrange the inside of a room or building
to give someone a medal, honor, or official award
Beyond the definition
To decorate means to make something more attractive by adding things to it—think ribbons on a present, lights on a tree, or paintings on a wall. It's about taking something plain and turning it into something special! You might decorate your house for the holidays, decorate a cake for a birthday, or even decorate your words with colorful adjectives.
The act of decorating isn't just about aesthetics; sometimes it's about marking an occasion. We decorate wedding halls to celebrate love, and we decorate gravesites to honor those who have passed. A skilled decorator can transform a space, creating a mood or telling a story through their choices. Think of the elaborate decorations in a royal palace—they aren't just pretty; they represent power and wealth!
To decorate means to add something to an object or place to make it look more attractive, festive, or appealing. It's about enhancing appearance, often for a specific purpose or occasion. For example: "She decorated the living room with colorful balloons and streamers," or "The chef decorated the cake with intricate frosting designs."
Decorate can apply to both physical spaces and abstract things. You might decorate your writing with vivid imagery, or decorate your speech with witty anecdotes. It's about adding details that elevate something beyond its basic form.
Historically, "decorate" comes from the Latin word decorare, meaning "to adorn" or "to beautify." This root connects it to ideas of order, elegance, and good taste. While simple decorations can be charming, elaborate decorating often requires skill and artistry. Think about interior designers who carefully choose colors, textures, and furniture to create a cohesive and beautiful space.
The word also has a fascinating military history! A "decorated" soldier is one who has received medals or honors for bravery. In this context, the "decoration" is not for fashion or festivities; it is a profound symbolic recognition of their service and sacrifice.
So whether you're adding sparkle to a birthday cake, transforming your home for the holidays, or earning accolades for your achievements, to decorate is about enhancing something with beauty, meaning, and distinction.
Examples
- 1
Party preparation
We decorated the living room before the party.
- 2
Holiday tree
The children decorated the tree with paper stars.
- 3
Cake presentation
The cake was decorated with fresh fruit.
- 4
Interior style
She decorated her bedroom in pale green and white.
- Patterndecorate + place in + color/style
use that color or style
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Festival decorations
Shops along the street were decorated for the festival.
- Patterndecorate for + event
add decorations because of that event
- 6
Official honor
The firefighter was decorated for bravery after the rescue.
- Patternbe decorated for + achievement
officially receive a medal or honor because of it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- style
- dress up
Contrast
- leave plain
- strip
Used with (collocations)
- decorate a room
- decorate a cake
- decorate for the holidays
- decorate with flowers
Word family
Explore
- interior design
- ornamentation
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- decorateverb
Forms
- decoratedpast tenseverb
- decorating-ing formverb
- decoratesverb