Ornately
What it means
With attractive and elaborate decorative detail.
Reach for it when describing something decorated with elaborate and intricate detail
The ceiling was ornately painted with flowers and small stars.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
decoratively
Fits when the beautifying manner is all that matters
Careful Decoratively says nothing about complexity.
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warm
Fits when depth and abundance create a pleasing effect
Careful Richly is broad and impressionistic.
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professional
elaborately
Fits when complex detailed work is the main fact
Careful Elaboration may be functional rather than decorative.
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professional
intricately
Fits when fine interwoven detail deserves emphasis
Careful Intricacy need not be ornamental.
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formal
Fits when decoration is abundant and costly-looking
Careful Lavishness can concern quantity rather than intricacy.
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literary
floridly
Fits when conspicuous decorative excess is intended
Careful Floridly is often critical and can describe language.
Opposites 3
- plainly
- austerely
- simply
Common phrases 3
-
ornately carved
The lintel was ornately carved with leaves and birds.
-
ornately painted
The ceiling was ornately painted with small gold stars.
-
ornately decorated
An ornately decorated box held the family letters.
Word family 1
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Ornately describes abundant detail and can be admiring or critical; elaborately may be more neutral.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated