Definition

1. Noun:

   • A decorative object: An item used to add beauty or embellishment to something else.
   • A quality or person that adds honor or distinction: Something or someone that serves as a source of credit or pride.

2. Verb:

   • To decorate or adorn: To add decorative items to something to make it more attractive.
   • To serve as a decorative or honorable feature: To be a beautiful or distinguished addition to something.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The vase was a beautiful ornament on the mantelpiece.
  • She is considered an ornament to her profession due to her integrity and skill.

• Verb:

  • They decided to ornament the hall with flowers for the wedding.
  • Frost ornamented the windowpanes with delicate patterns.

Advanced Usage

• "To be an ornament to": To be a person or thing that brings credit, honor, or beauty to something.
  • His scholarship is an ornament to the university.
• In music: Refers to a note or group of notes that embellish a melody.
  • The singer added a subtle vocal ornament to the phrase.

Variants and Related Words

• Ornamental (adj): Serving or intended as an ornament; decorative.
  • The garden features several ornamental shrubs.
• Ornamentation (n): The action of decorating something or the decorative elements themselves.
  • The ornamentation on the cathedral is incredibly detailed.

Synonyms

• Noun: Decoration, adornment, embellishment, trinket, bauble.
• Verb: Decorate, adorn, embellish, beautify, deck.

Related Phrases

• "A mere ornament": Something that is decorative but has little practical use or substance.
  • The position was largely ceremonial, a mere ornament with no real power.

Idioms

• "Ornament of the age": A person who is considered a distinguished and admirable figure of their time.
  • The scientist was hailed as an ornament of the age for her groundbreaking discoveries.

Noun

1. something used to beautify

Verb

1. be an ornament to
   • stars ornamented the Christmas tree
2. make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
   • Decorate the room for the party
   • beautify yourself for the special day