Ornament
What it means
Something that adds beauty or distinction.
Reach for it when naming an object or detail added chiefly for beauty or distinction
A carved bird served as the simple ornament above the doorway.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
bauble
Fits when a small showy object is meant
Careful Bauble can belittle value or craftsmanship.
-
everyday
decoration
Fits when the broad familiar category is enough
Careful Decoration can include an entire scheme.
-
professional
embellishment
Fits when an added detail enriches a base design
Careful Embellishment can imply unnecessary exaggeration.
-
professional
finial
Fits when a crowning architectural detail is precise
Careful A finial is only one type of ornament.
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formal
Fits when something enhances appearance, often when worn
Careful Adornment is more elevated and personal.
-
literary
grace note
Fits when a small finishing touch adds charm
Careful The musical metaphor is figurative.
Opposites 3
- blemish
- eyesore
- plainness
Common phrases 3
-
carved ornament
A carved ornament of a wren sat above the doorway.
-
garden ornament
The repaired sundial remained the garden ornament nearest the gate.
-
simple ornament
One simple ornament gave the invitation a festive finish.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Ornament can also mean a person considered to bring distinction; that dated usage can objectify the person.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated