Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cover with a thin layer of gold: The primary meaning of "gild" is to apply a thin layer of gold leaf or gold-colored material to an object's surface.
   • To give a deceptively attractive or pleasing appearance to something: Figuratively, "gild" means to make something seem more attractive or acceptable than it really is.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The artisans will gild the picture frame to make it look more luxurious.
  • He tried to gild his harsh criticism with a few compliments, but the damage was done.

Advanced Usage

• "to gild the lily": To try to improve something that is already beautiful or excellent, often resulting in excess or spoiling it.

  • Adding more decorations to that perfect cake would be to gild the lily.

• "to gild the pill": To make something unpleasant seem more attractive or acceptable.

  • The company tried to gild the pill of layoffs by offering generous severance packages.

Variants and Related Words

• Gilded (adj): Covered with a thin layer of gold; or, having a wealthy and superficially brilliant appearance.

  • The gilded dome of the cathedral shone in the sun.
  • They lived a gilded life in the capital.

• Gilder (n): A person whose job is to gild objects.

  • The master gilder restored the antique mirror.

• Gilding (n): The process, technique, or material used for gilding.

  • The gilding on the statue has worn away over the centuries.

Synonyms

• Adorn: To make more beautiful or attractive.
• Embellish: To make something more attractive by adding decorative details.
• Enhance: To intensify or improve the quality or value of something.

Related Phrases

• The Gilded Age: A historical period in the United States (late 19th century) characterized by rapid economic growth and displays of wealth, but also marked by underlying social problems.
  • Mark Twain coined the term "The Gilded Age" to describe the era's superficial glitter.

Idioms

• Gild the lily: (As defined in Advanced Usage).
• Gild the pill: (As defined in Advanced Usage).

Noun

1. a formal association of people with similar interests
   • he joined a golf club
   • they formed a small lunch society
   • men from the fraternal order will staff the soup kitchen today

Verb

1. decorate with, or as if with, gold leaf or liquid gold