Embellish: meaning, definitions and examples
💫
embellish
[ ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ ]
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
embellish |
Use when adding extra details to something to make it more interesting or attractive. Often used for storytelling, writing, or adding decorative features.
|
decorate |
Often used for adding elements to improve the look of something, especially during special occasions like holidays, parties, and celebrations.
|
adorn |
Suitable for describing adding decorations to something, often in a formal or elegant manner. Commonly used for clothing, jewelry, or ceremonial spaces.
|
ornament |
Commonly used for adding decorative objects, especially items that are small or intricate. Often associated with Christmas decorations or jewelry.
|
beautify |
Describes making something more beautiful or attractive, often in a general sense. It can be used for physical appearance, surroundings, or even abstract concepts.
|
Examples of usage
- She embellished the dress with intricate embroidery.
- The artist embellished the painting with gold leaf accents.
speech or writing
To make something more interesting or entertaining by adding extra details, often of questionable accuracy.
Synonyms
embroider, exaggerate, fabricate, overstate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
embellish |
Used when adding extra details to make something more attractive or interesting. Often used in the context of storytelling, interior design, or descriptions.
|
exaggerate |
This word is used when someone makes something seem larger, more important, or more extreme than it really is. Often has a slightly negative connotation as it implies a departure from the truth.
|
embroider |
Generally used in the context of adding decorative details to fabric. It can also mean adding decorative or fanciful details to a story or account.
|
overstate |
Often used when describing the act of expressing something in a way that makes it seem more significant or serious than it actually is. Usually used in critical contexts.
|
fabricate |
Used when creating something artificial or inventing a false story. Often used with a negative connotation, as it implies deceit.
|
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
Etymology
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.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #24,987, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 24984 programed
- 24985 coincidentally
- 24986 irreligious
- 24987 embellish
- 24988 revisionism
- 24989 demonstrator
- 24990 ebbing
- ...