Embellish: meaning, definitions and examples

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embellish

 

[ ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ ]

Context #1

decorative arts

To make something more attractive by adding decorative details or ornaments. It is often used in the context of art, design, or fashion.

Synonyms

adorn, beautify, decorate, ornament

Examples of usage

  • She embellished the dress with intricate embroidery.
  • The artist embellished the painting with gold leaf accents.
Context #2

speech or writing

To make something more interesting or entertaining by adding extra details, often of questionable accuracy.

Synonyms

embroider, exaggerate, fabricate, overstate

Examples of usage

  • The author embellished the story to make it more engaging.
  • He tends to embellish his speeches with exaggerated anecdotes.

Translations

Translations of the word "embellish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 embelezar

🇮🇳 सजाना

🇩🇪 verschönern

🇮🇩 menghias

🇺🇦 прикрашати

🇵🇱 upiększać

🇯🇵 飾る (kazaru)

🇫🇷 embellir

🇪🇸 embellecer

🇹🇷 süslemek

🇰🇷 꾸미다 (kkumida)

🇸🇦 يزين (yuzayyin)

🇨🇿 zkrášlit

🇸🇰 skrášliť

🇨🇳 装饰 (zhuāngshì)

🇸🇮 polepšati

🇮🇸 skreyta

🇰🇿 әшекейлеу

🇬🇪 მორთვა (mortva)

🇦🇿 bəzəmək

🇲🇽 embellecer

Word origin

The word 'embellish' originated from the Old French term 'embeliss', which means 'to beautify'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, 'embellish' has evolved to carry the connotation of enhancing something with decorative elements or additional details to make it more appealing or engaging.