Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make something look more attractive by adding extra items or details: The primary meaning involves enhancing the appearance of a place or object by adding ornaments, colors, or other elements.
   • To award a medal or similar honor to someone: A formal meaning, used when someone is given a medal or title as a mark of honor, typically for military or civil service.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (To adorn):
  • We will decorate the hall with balloons and streamers for the celebration.
  • She likes to decorate her notebooks with stickers.
• Verb (To honor):
  • The soldier was decorated for his exceptional bravery in combat.
  • The president decorated the scientist for her groundbreaking research.

Advanced Usage

• "to decorate something with something": A common collocation specifying what is used for decoration.
  • They decorated the cake with fresh berries and icing.
• "to be decorated for something": A passive structure used for receiving an honor.
  • He was decorated for his long and loyal service to the community.

Variants and Related Words

• Decoration (n): An object or detail added to make something look more attractive; also, the act of decorating.
  • The Christmas decorations were beautiful.
• Decorator (n): A person whose job is to decorate the interior of buildings.
  • They hired an interior decorator to help with their new home.
• Decorative (adj): Serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental.
  • The vase is decorative but not very practical.

Synonyms

• Adorn: To make more beautiful or attractive (often more literary).
• Embellish: To make more attractive by adding decorative details.
• Ornament: To add decoration to something.
• Honor (for the military/award sense): To confer an award or distinction upon.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Decorate" is not commonly used with particles to form phrasal verbs. Its meanings are typically expressed directly.)

Related Idioms

• "to decorate the tree": A common phrase referring to the tradition of putting ornaments on a Christmas tree.
  • Every December, the whole family gathers to decorate the tree.

Verb

1. provide with decoration
   • dress the windows
2. award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to
   • He was decorated for his services in the military
3. be beautiful to look at
   • Flowers adorned the tables everywhere
4. make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
   • Decorate the room for the party
   • beautify yourself for the special day