decorate

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 award a mark of honor, such as a medal, to

Etymology

From Middle English decorat (“adorned”), from Latin decorātus, perfect passive participle of decorō (“to adorn, distinguish, honor”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from decus (“ornament, grace, dignity, honor”, decor- in compounds), akin to decor (“elegance, grace, beauty, ornament”), from decet (“adorn, befit”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

adorn, grace, ornament, embellish, beautify

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