Overornament: meaning, definitions and examples
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overornament
[ ˈoʊvərˈɔːrnəmənt ]
art and design
Excessive or unnecessary decoration, especially in art and design. Overornamentation can detract from the overall aesthetic and functionality of a piece.
Synonyms
excess decoration, ornate embellishment, overly adorned.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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overornament |
When something is decorated to an excessive degree, beyond what is tasteful. Usually has a slightly negative connotation, implying too much decoration.
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excess decoration |
When referring to a level of decoration that is more than necessary, often making the item appear cluttered or too flashy. Often carries a negative connotation.
|
ornate embellishment |
When highlighting the complexity and intricacy of the decoration. This can be positive or negative depending on how the embellishment is perceived.
|
overly adorned |
When describing something that has too many decorations, making it seem overwhelming or gaudy. Has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His latest sculpture was criticized for its overornamentation, with many feeling that the intricate details took away from the beauty of the piece.
- The room was filled with overornamentation, from elaborate chandeliers to ornate tapestries.
art and design
To excessively decorate or embellish something, especially in art and design. Overornamenting can lead to a cluttered and overwhelming visual effect.
Synonyms
excessively decorate, overadorn, overembellish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
overornament |
This repeats the first entry, describing when something is too ornately decorated. |
excessively decorate |
Describes a situation where decoration is taken to an extreme, making it look over-the-top. Can be used for a variety of contexts including cakes, clothing, or houses.
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overembellish |
Used when something has been made unnecessarily complicated or showy with too many extra details. Can be used for storytelling, speech, or physical objects.
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overadorn |
Implying that something has been adorned or decorated in an overly elaborate way, often used in the context of fashion or jewelry.
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Examples of usage
- She tends to overornament her paintings, adding unnecessary details that distract from the overall composition.
- The designer warned against overornamenting the dress, emphasizing the beauty of simplicity.
Translations
Translations of the word "overornament" in other languages:
🇵🇹 excessivamente ornamentado
🇮🇳 अतिशय अलंकृत
🇩🇪 übermäßig verziert
🇮🇩 terlalu dihias
🇺🇦 перевантажений орнаментами
🇵🇱 nadmiernie ozdobiony
🇯🇵 過度に装飾された
🇫🇷 trop orné
🇪🇸 excesivamente ornamentado
🇹🇷 aşırı süslenmiş
🇰🇷 지나치게 장식된
🇸🇦 مزين بشكل مفرط
🇨🇿 přehnaně zdobený
🇸🇰 nadmerne ozdobený
🇨🇳 过度装饰
🇸🇮 preveč okrašen
🇮🇸 ofskreyttur
🇰🇿 шектен тыс әшекейленген
🇬🇪 ზედმეტად ორნამენტირებული
🇦🇿 həddindən artıq bəzədilmiş
🇲🇽 excesivamente ornamentado
Etymology
The term 'overornament' originated in the late 19th century, combining the prefix 'over-' indicating excess and 'ornament' referring to decorative elements. It gained popularity in the context of art and design criticism, highlighting the debate between minimalism and ornate styles in artistic expression.
See also: ornamentation, ornamented, ornamenting, ornamentist, ornaments, unornamented.