Ornate
What it means
Richly decorated with many carefully worked details.
Reach for it when describing elaborate visual beauty rather than simple elegance
An ornate iron screen cast leaf-shaped shadows across the hall.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when the element adds visual interest
Careful Decorative does not imply rich detail.
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professional
baroque
Fits when a specifically elaborate style is intended
Careful Baroque should not label every ornate design.
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professional
embellished
Fits when details were added to a plain base
Careful Embellished can imply unnecessary additions.
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formal
Fits when complex workmanship is the main feature
Careful Elaborate can describe an undecorated plan.
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formal
intricate
Fits when small interrelated details show complexity
Careful Intricate work may be plain in style.
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literary
Fits when luxurious materials create the impression
Careful Sumptuous stresses richness rather than pattern.
Opposites 3
- plain
- austere
- unadorned
Common phrases 3
-
ornate carving
An ornate carving of vines framed the doorway.
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ornate detail
One ornate detail repeated the river motif from the ceiling.
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ornate pattern
The ornate pattern became clear after soot was removed.
Word family 1
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated