decorate
/'dekəreit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- provide with decoration
- dress the windows
- award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to
- He was decorated for his services in the military
- be beautiful to look at
- Flowers adorned the tables everywhere
- make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
- Decorate the room for the party
- beautify yourself for the special day