Adornment
What it means
A decorative addition that contributes beauty or distinction.
Reach for it when naming an ornament whose visual role matters more than its function
A narrow embroidered band was the coat's only adornment.
Words to choose between 5
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
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playful
Fits when one expressive detail gives the design personality
Careful A flourish emphasizes gesture and style, not every kind of adornment.
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everyday
decoration
Fits when any added visual detail is meant
Careful Decoration ranges from elegant to disposable and lacks adornment's elevated tone.
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professional
Fits when the feature runs along an edge or seam
Careful Trim is wrong for a brooch, mural, or central motif.
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formal
Fits when a discrete decorative object is being identified
Careful Ornament can imply an object with no practical value.
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literary
embellishment
Fits when extra detail enriches an already complete design
Careful Embellishment can suggest unnecessary excess or a distorted account.
Opposites 3
- bareness
- plainness
- disfigurement
Common phrases 3
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personal adornment
The beads served as personal adornment and a family keepsake.
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simple adornment
A simple adornment of carved leaves framed the doorway.
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decorative adornment
The metal boss is a decorative adornment rather than a working fastener.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vininn126, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated