Reading Theme:
Decoration Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：ornamental items (decoration)
decoration
/ˌdekəˈreɪʃn/
n.
Physical objects added to make something look nicer or more festive.
ornamental items
➕
/ɔːrnəˈmentl ˈaɪtəmz/
n.
Refers to physical objects or items that are used to enhance the appearance of something, making it look more attractive, festive, or celebratory.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin *decorare* (to adorn) + *-tion* (noun suffix), meaning 'the act of adorning'.
💡 Mnemonic
Decorate your station for celebration! Think 'decor' (beautify) + 'ation' (the action).
📖 Example
Every year, we put up colorful decorations on our Christmas tree, including lights, balls, and a star on top.
Every year, we put up colorful ornamental items on our Christmas tree, including lights, balls, and a star on top.
🔗 Collocations
interior decoration – the art of decorating the inside of a building or room
holiday decoration – ornaments and items used to celebrate a specific holiday
wall decoration – items like paintings or hangings used to adorn a wall
🔄 Synonyms
ornament (n.) – A thing used to make something look more attractive, especially a small object.
adornment (n.) – Something that decorates or adds beauty; an ornament.
embellishment (n.) – A decorative detail or feature added to something to make it more attractive.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
decorate (v.) – To make something look more attractive by adding extra items or a pattern to it.
decorative (adj.) – Serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental.
decorator (n.) – A person who decorates, especially one whose job is to design the look of rooms or buildings.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin *decorare*, meaning to adorn or beautify, and entering English via Old French. In Roman culture, decoration was a sign of honor and status. Today, it's central to holidays, events, and interior design, reflecting personal and cultural aesthetics.
Meaning 2：process of adorning (decoration)
decoration
/ˌdekəˈreɪʃn/
n.
The act or process of making something more attractive by adding things to it.
process of adorning
➕
/ˈprəʊses əv əˈdɔːnɪŋ/
n.
Refers to the action or process of making something more attractive by adding ornaments, colors, or other features.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The decoration of the room took us the whole weekend, involving painting the walls and hanging new curtains.
The process of adorning the room took us the whole weekend, involving painting the walls and hanging new curtains.
🔗 Collocations
decoration scheme – a planned system or design for how something will be decorated
stage decoration – the design and arrangement of scenery and props for a theatrical performance
medal for decoration – an award given as an honor or mark of distinction (awarded for service)
🔄 Synonyms
adornment (n.) – The action of adorning or the state of being adorned.
embellishment (n.) – The action of adding decorative details to something.
ornamentation (n.) – The process or art of decorating or adorning something.
🚫 Antonyms
disfigurement (n.) – The act of spoiling the appearance of something.
defacement (n.) – The action of damaging the appearance of something by writing or drawing on it.
ruination (n.) – The action of destroying or severely damaging something, including its appearance.
🌱 Derivatives
decorate (v.) – To make something look more attractive by adding extra items or a pattern to it.
decorative (adj.) – Serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental.
decorator (n.) – A person who decorates, especially one whose job is to design the look of rooms or buildings.
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