adorn

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
  2. verb be beautiful to look at
  3. verb furnish with power or authority; of kings or emperors

Etymology

From Middle English adornen, adournen, from Latin adōrnāre; from ad- + ōrnō (“furnish, embellish”). See adore, ornate. Replaced earlier Middle English aournen (“to adorn”) borrowed from Old French aorner, from the same Latin source.

In classic literature

Synonyms

decorate, grace, ornament, embellish, beautify

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