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decorative

The word "decorative" is most often used to describe things that are meant for looks rather than use. For example, a "decorative bowl" might be beautiful, but you wouldn't actually put cereal in it. It is almost always used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., "decorative lights"). It describes the purpose or appearance of an object.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Maya is helping Fatima organize her new apartment.
Maya

Cut it out. Those plates are purely decorative.

Maya
Fatima
Fatima

My bad, I didn't realize they were just for show.

💡
Maya uses 'purely decorative' to warn Fatima not to use a fragile item for food. Fatima responds with the phrasal verb 'cut it out' (stop doing that) and the idiom 'just for show', which is a semantic synonym for decorative in this context.

Meanings

adjective

Serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental rather than functional.

"The cake was topped with decorative icing and edible flowers."

adjective

Used for decoration; intended to adorn a space or object.

"She bought several decorative pillows to brighten up the living room sofa."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error