Decorate
/ˈdekəreɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo add something to an object or place to make it more beautiful or attractive.
/ˈdekəreɪt/
To make something look more attractive by adding things to it.
She decorated her bedroom with fairy lights and posters.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a room look awesome for a party. That's decorating! It's like adding balloons, streamers, and all sorts of fun things to make it look amazing. For example: 'I'm going to decorate my bedroom with posters.'
👶 For kids: To make something look pretty or special by adding stuff to it.
More Examples
They decorated the cake with fresh strawberries.
The children helped decorate the classroom for the holidays.
How It's Used
"We decorated the living room with new furniture and paintings."
"They decorated the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments."
To award someone with a medal or honor for their service or achievement.
/ˈdekəreɪt/
To award someone a medal or other honor.
The general was decorated with a medal for his leadership.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone did something really brave or amazing, like saving someone's life. To 'decorate' them is to give them a medal or award to say, 'Wow, you did a great job!' For example: 'The firefighter was decorated for his bravery.'
👶 For kids: To give someone a special prize for doing something good.
More Examples
She was decorated for her contribution to scientific research.
The surviving crew members were decorated for their heroism.
How It's Used
"The soldier was decorated for his bravery in combat."
"The president will decorate the scientist for their achievements."
Idioms & expressions
Decorate the halls
To prepare for a special occasion, often associated with Christmas or holidays.
"Let's decorate the halls for the holiday party this weekend!"
From Latin *decorāre* 'to adorn, embellish', from *decus* 'ornament, grace'.
Used since the 15th century. Initially used with a broader sense of adorning or making something more appealing, evolved to mean specifically adding ornaments or awards.
Memory tip
Think of adding colors, lights, or other items to make a space look better.
Word Origin
"To adorn, embellish; from *decus* (ornament, grace)"