ornament
An ornament is something added for visual pleasure rather than function. It suggests a layer of beauty placed on top of a base structure, often implying fragility or delicacy.
When applied to people, it describes someone who brings prestige, grace, or honor to a group. This usage is highly formal and carries a sense of admiration, treating the person as a "jewel" in a crown.
As a verb, it is more formal than "decorate." While decorating can be practical (like painting a wall), ornamenting implies adding intricate, non-essential details to elevate the aesthetic value.
Countable when referring to a physical object like a bauble on a tree ('She bought five ornaments'). Uncountable when referring to the general quality of embellishment or the act of decorating ('The room was filled with gold ornament').
💬Casual Conversation
KAREN DID YOU BREAK THAT GLASS ORNAMENT I GAVE YOU???
KAREN DID YOU BREAK THAT GLASS ORNAMENT I GAVE YOU???
It was an eyesore. I finally tossed it.
It was an eyesore. I finally tossed it.
Meanings
A thing used to make something look more attractive; a decoration.
She placed a delicate glass ornament on the Christmas tree.
A person or thing that embellishes or adds beauty to a place or group.
The young pianist was considered an ornament to the college faculty.
To make something more attractive by adding decorative items to it.
They decided to ornament the ceiling with gold leaf and intricate carvings.
Examples
She hung a sparkling ornament on the branch of the pine tree.
The brilliant scholar was an ornament to the university's academic community.
The artisans began to ornament the royal carriage with silver filigree.
Phrasal Verbs
ornament with
to decorate something using a specific material or object
She decided to ornament the cake with fresh strawberries and mint leaves.