Ornament Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ornament

[ˈɔːrnəmənt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

decorative element

An ornament is an attractive object that you display in your home because it is beautiful or interesting.

Synonyms

adornment, decal, decoration, decoration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ornament	Used to describe objects specifically made to add beauty or decoration, especially during festive times or on particular items like Christmas trees. She hung a beautiful ornament on the Christmas tree The vase served as an elegant ornament on the shelf
decoration	A broad term for items or actions meant to beautify or celebrate a space or event. Can be seasonal, thematic or simply stylish enhancements. The birthday party had colorful decorations The holiday decorations made the house look festive
adornment	Refers to accessories or enhancements that improve appearance, often in a more general sense, including jewelry, clothing, or interiors. Her necklace is a lovely adornment for her dress The room’s adornment included luxurious curtains and elegant furniture
decal	Used to describe stickers or transfers applied to surfaces, often for decorative or informational purposes. Commonly used on vehicles, windows, and electronic devices. He put a cool decal on his laptop The car's window had a decal of a sports team logo

Examples of usage

The Christmas tree was covered in glittering ornaments.
The jewelry box was filled with delicate ornaments.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to decorate

To ornament something means to decorate or add beauty to it.

Synonyms

adorn, beautify, decorate, embellish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ornament	Used to describe adding objects to something to make it look more attractive, often for a specific occasion or celebration. We put ornaments on the Christmas tree. She used colorful ornaments to decorate the party venue.
decorate	Commonly used to describe making a space or object look better by adding decorations; suitable for both formal and informal settings. We decorated the room with balloons for the birthday party. They decorated their house for the holidays.
embellish	Used to describe adding details to something to make it more attractive, can also be used to describe adding extra, sometimes exaggerated details in storytelling. She likes to embellish her outfits with jewelry. He embellished his story to make it more interesting.
adorn	Often used to describe decorating something in a beautiful and elegant way, sometimes with a sense of luxury or elegance. The bride adorned her hair with fresh flowers. Ancient temples were adorned with intricate carvings.
beautify	Used to describe making something more beautiful or attractive, often involves an improvement or enhancement. They worked hard to beautify the garden for the summer. She uses makeup to beautify her appearance.

Examples of usage

The artist used intricate designs to ornament the walls of the palace.
The cake was ornamented with edible flowers and frosting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Uses

In ancient Rome, ornaments were used in architecture, enhancing buildings with decorative elements.
During the Renaissance, personal ornaments like brooches and rings became popular as expressions of wealth.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, ornaments can symbolize status and identity, like tribal jewelry that indicates one's heritage.
Festivals around the world often feature specific ornaments, such as colorful lanterns in Diwali celebrations.

Psychology

Decorating with ornaments can boost mood and create a sense of comfort in personal spaces.
Studies suggest that displaying certain ornaments can enhance feelings of belonging and personal connection.

Pop Culture

Christmas ornaments have become iconic symbols, with many households collecting unique versions over the years.
In the world of fashion, accessories like necklaces and bracelets are often referred to as 'ornaments' for their decorative role.

Origin of 'ornament'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'ornamentum', meaning 'a tool for decorating'.
In Middle English, 'ornament' carried a similar meaning, focusing on beauty and decoration.

The word 'ornament' originated from the Latin word 'ornamentum', meaning equipment or ornament, which is derived from 'ornare' meaning to equip or adorn. Throughout history, ornaments have been used in various cultures to enhance beauty and add aesthetic appeal to objects, buildings, and clothing.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,777 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8774 disbursements
8775 abstraction
8776 circumference
8777 ornament
8778 elephant
8779 modelling
8780 overwhelmed
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