Gild: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to applying a thin layer of gold to a surface, often metaphorically to describe making something appear more attractive than it is.

• They decided to gild the statue to enhance its grandeur.
• Sometimes people try to gild the truth to make it more appealing.

Used when describing the action of entirely applying gold to a surface. Usually more literal and straightforward.

• The artisans covered the dome with gold to reflect its importance.
• The jewelry designer decided to cover the bracelet with gold for a luxurious touch.

Suitable for situations where gold is applied as a layer on top of another material. This term often implies a more intricate or decorative intention.

• The bookbinding was meticulously overlaid with gold leaf.
• They chose to overlay the sculpture with gold to highlight its features.

Typically used in industrial or manufacturing contexts where an object, usually metal, is coated with a thin layer of gold.

• The cutlery was plated with gold to give it a high-end finish.
• The company's watches are known for being plated with gold.

Used when referring to covering something with a thin layer of gold, often in a literal or figurative sense. It can also imply making something appear more valuable or attractive than it actually is.

• The artist decided to gild the frame to enhance its elegance.
• She tried to gild the truth, making her actions seem better than they were.

Used when adding decorative details to something to make it more appealing. It can also involve adding extra details to a story, sometimes making it less truthful.

• She likes to embellish her clothes with sequins and lace.
• He's known to embellish his stories to make them more exciting.

Used when praising or honoring someone or something in a very enthusiastic way, often exaggerating its merits. Can have a negative connotation if over-exaggerated or undeserved.

• The monument was built to glorify the nation's heroes.
• Critics argue that the movie glorifies violence, making it seem acceptable.

Used when making something or someone look more beautiful or attractive. Often associated with intentional, aesthetic improvements.

• They hired a landscaper to beautify their garden.
• Volunteers helped beautify the park by planting flowers and trees.

Used when adding a thin layer of gold to an object to make it look more valuable or attractive. Can also metaphorically mean to make something seem better than it is.

• The artist decided to gild the statue to give it a more luxurious appearance.
• She tried to gild the reality of the situation, but everyone knew the truth.

Refers to thin sheets of gold used decoratively, often in art and craft. It is delicate and typically applied painstakingly by hand.

• The illuminated manuscript contained intricate gold leaf designs.
• She decorated the cake with edible gold leaf for a luxurious finish.

Describes the application of a gold layer on various surfaces for protection, decoration, or to give the object a rich look. It implies more durability and a thicker layer compared to gilding.

• The electronics had a gold coating to prevent corrosion.
• The antique mirror had a gold coating that gave it an elegant touch.

Used when talking about paint infused with gold particles to give objects a shimmering gold appearance. Commonly used in arts, crafts, and home decor projects.

• He used gold paint to highlight the frame of the picture.
• The chairs were covered with gold paint to match the royal theme of the event.