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Ornamentation: meaning, definitions and examples

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ornamentation

 

[ˌɔːrnəmənˈteɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

artistic decoration

Ornamentation refers to the act of adding decorative elements to something, such as a building, piece of clothing, or piece of art. It is used to enhance the aesthetic appeal and beauty of the object. Ornamentation can include intricate designs, patterns, motifs, or embellishments.

Synonyms

adornment, decoration, decoration, embellishment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ornamentation

Ornamentation is often used in a formal or artistic context to refer to the act or art of adding decorative elements to something. This word is frequently used when discussing architecture, music, or visual art.

  • The baroque movement is known for its lavish ornamentation
  • The ornamentation on the building's facade was intricate and beautiful
decoration

Decoration is a broad term used in everyday life to refer to items added to improve the appearance of something. It can refer to anything from decorating a room to holiday decorations.

  • The Christmas tree is up and we're going to start adding decorations
  • She spent the afternoon working on the decorations for the party
embellishment

Embellishment refers to adding details that are not necessary but make something more attractive or interesting. It can have a slightly negative connotation if overdone, suggesting exaggeration or unnecessary excess.

  • The story included some embellishments to make it more exciting
  • The dress had a lot of embellishments, making it quite flashy
adornment

Adornment mostly refers to items added to enhance appearance, often used in the context of fashion and personal style.

  • She wore a simple dress with minimal adornment
  • Necklaces and earrings are common forms of adornment

Examples of usage

  • The ballroom was adorned with intricate ornamentation on the walls and ceiling.
  • The wedding dress was stunning with delicate lace ornamentation.
  • The jewelry box was decorated with beautiful ornamentation of pearls and diamonds.
Context #2 | Noun

musical embellishment

In music, ornamentation refers to the embellishments or added notes that a performer improvises or includes in a piece to enhance its expressiveness or ornament the melody. Ornamentation can include trills, grace notes, mordents, and other decorative elements.

Synonyms

adornment, decoration, embellishment, flourish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ornamentation

This term is often used in art, design, and architecture to describe the action of decorating something to make it more attractive. It usually has a formal tone.

  • The building's intricate ornamentation adds to its historical charm.
  • The ornamentation of the manuscript was done with gold leaf and precious inks.
embellishment

Embellishment often indicates adding extra details to make something more attractive or interesting, sometimes unnecessarily. The word can have a slight negative connotation when implying excess.

  • The storyteller's embellishments made the tale more captivating.
  • The designer added embellishments to the gown that made it look overdone.
decoration

Decoration is a general term for items or actions used to beautify a space, object, or person. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • We spent the afternoon putting up Christmas decorations.
  • The cake was covered in fancy decoration for the wedding.
adornment

Adornment refers to adding beauty or excess decoration, often used for clothing and personal accessories. It can also apply to objects or spaces.

  • Her dress was simple but elegant, without much adornment.
  • The ancient necklace served as an adornment for the ceremonial outfit.
flourish

Flourish can describe a bold or extravagant detail or action, often used to add flair or excitement. It is commonly used in a positive or enthusiastic sense.

  • She signed her name with a dramatic flourish.
  • The chef added a flourish of herbs to finish the dish.

Examples of usage

  • The pianist added elegant ornamentation to the musical piece, showcasing their virtuosity.
  • The singer's vocal ornamentation added flair and emotion to the song.
  • The violinist's performance was characterized by elaborate ornamentation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'ornamentum', which means 'to adorn' or 'to embellish'.
  • Related words include 'ornate', which refers to something that is very decorated.
  • The idea of ornamentation has roots in ancient cultures, emphasizing beauty and creativity.

Art and Design

  • In visual arts, ornamentation can enhance a work by adding layers of meaning and aesthetics.
  • Architects often use ornamentation to make buildings standout, influencing styles from Gothic to Baroque.
  • Various art movements, such as Art Nouveau, heavily focused on flowing, organic ornamentation.

Music

  • In music, ornamentation refers to extra notes or flourishes that enhance melodies, like trills and grace notes.
  • Baroque composers, like Vivaldi and Bach, often wrote ornamentation into their music to showcase virtuosity.
  • Jazz musicians frequently use ornamentation to improvise and add personal flair to a piece.

Cultural Traditions

  • In many cultures, ornamentation plays a role in rituals and ceremonies, such as decorative masks in African cultures.
  • Traditional clothing often features ornamentation to signify status, region, or personal identity.
  • Festivals around the world celebrate ornamentation, such as the intricate designs of henna in Indian weddings.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that attractive environments with ornamentation can positively influence mood and creativity.
  • The human brain is wired to respond favorably to beauty, making ornamentation key in marketing and design.
  • Studies on visual aesthetics show that well-ornamented spaces can enhance feelings of comfort and engagement.

Translations

Translations of the word "ornamentation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ornamentação

🇮🇳 सजावट

🇩🇪 Ornament

🇮🇩 ornamen

🇺🇦 орнаментація

🇵🇱 ornamentacja

🇯🇵 装飾 (そうしょく)

🇫🇷 ornementation

🇪🇸 ornamentación

🇹🇷 süsleme

🇰🇷 장식

🇸🇦 زخرفة

🇨🇿 ornamentace

🇸🇰 ornamentácia

🇨🇳 装饰 (zhuāngshì)

🇸🇮 ornamentacija

🇮🇸 skreyting

🇰🇿 әшекейлеу

🇬🇪 ორნამენტაცია

🇦🇿 ornamentasiya

🇲🇽 ornamentación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,378, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.