Embellish: meaning, definitions and examples

💫
Add to dictionary

embellish

 

[ ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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?

arrow down
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.

  • She embellished her story with interesting anecdotes.
  • The artist embellished the painting with ornate patterns.
decorate

Often used for adding elements to improve the look of something, especially during special occasions like holidays, parties, and celebrations.

  • They decorated the room for the birthday party.
  • She enjoys decorating her house for Christmas.
adorn

Suitable for describing adding decorations to something, often in a formal or elegant manner. Commonly used for clothing, jewelry, or ceremonial spaces.

  • She adorned her dress with sparkling jewels.
  • The hall was adorned with beautiful tapestries.
ornament

Commonly used for adding decorative objects, especially items that are small or intricate. Often associated with Christmas decorations or jewelry.

  • The Christmas tree was laden with ornaments.
  • She wore a necklace ornamented with pearls.
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.

  • They planted flowers to beautify the garden.
  • Efforts were made to beautify the city streets.

Examples of usage

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

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?

arrow down
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.

  • She embellished her tale with vivid descriptions of the breathtaking sunset.
  • He embellished the room with luxurious curtains and elegant furniture.
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.

  • He exaggerated his achievements on his resume.
  • Don't exaggerate the problem; it's not as bad as it seems.
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.

  • She skillfully embroidered her initials onto the handkerchief.
  • He embroidered his travel stories with details of adventure and intrigue.
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.

  • It's easy to overstate the impact of a single event on history.
  • He tends to overstate his role in the project.
fabricate

Used when creating something artificial or inventing a false story. Often used with a negative connotation, as it implies deceit.

  • She fabricated an excuse to avoid going to the meeting.
  • He fabricated the entire story about his travels.

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.