decorate

Pronunciation: /ˈdɛkəɹeɪt/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  2. verb be beautiful to look at
  3. verb award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to

Etymology

From Middle English decorat (“adorned”), from Latin decorātus, perfect passive participle of decorō (“to adorn, distinguish, honor”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from decus (“ornament, grace, dignity, honor”, decor- in compounds), akin to decor (“elegance, grace, beauty, ornament”), from decet (“adorn, befit”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

adorn, grace, ornament, embellish, beautify

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
change
Narrower (hyponyms)
panel, vermiculate, festoon, pipe, stick, caparison

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