decorative
/'dekərətiv/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Ornamental; serving to decorate or beautify: "decorative" describes something that is intended to look attractive or pretty rather than to serve a practical or useful purpose. Its primary function is aesthetic enhancement.
- Relating to decoration: Pertaining to the art or act of adorning something.
Usage
The word "decorative" is used to qualify objects, elements, or features whose main role is to add beauty or visual interest. It often implies a contrast with functional or utilitarian items. It is commonly used before a noun.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The vase is purely decorative; it cannot hold water.
- She added decorative pillows to the sofa to make it more colorful.
- The architectural details on the old building are highly decorative.
Advanced Usage
"decorative arts": A collective term for arts and crafts concerned with the design and ornamentation of objects that are primarily functional, such as ceramics, textiles, and furniture.
- She studied the history of decorative arts at university.
Used to describe a style or pattern:
- The wallpaper had a subtle decorative pattern of vines and leaves.
Variants and Related Words
Decorate (verb): To make something look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it.
- They decorated the room with balloons for the party.
Decoration (noun):
- The process or art of decorating something.
- The decoration of the hall took all day.
- A thing that serves as an ornament.
- The Christmas tree was covered in shiny decorations.
Decorator (noun): A person who decorates, especially one whose job is to design the interior of houses.
- They hired an interior decorator to help choose colors and furniture.
Synonyms
- Ornamental: Serving as an ornament; decorative.
- Adornment: Something that decorates or adorns; an ornament.
- Embellishing: Serving to make something more attractive by adding decorative details.
Antonyms
- Functional: Designed to be practical and useful rather than attractive.
- Utilitarian: Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.
- Plain: Not decorated or elaborate; simple or ordinary in character.
Adjective
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serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose
-
cosmetic fenders on cars
-
the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative
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