Decoration

/ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən/

nounBeginner📊CommonAction
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The act of making something look more attractive by adding things to it.

/ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən/

nounneutralBeginner
Action

The act of decorating something or the state of being decorated.

The children helped with the Christmas decorations.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a birthday party. Decoration is all the fun stuff you add to make the party look great, like balloons, streamers, and colorful tablecloths. It’s about making something pretty and special!

👶 For kids: Making something look pretty or special by adding things.

More Examples

2

The room's decoration was simple but elegant.

3

She won a prize for her impressive flower decorations.

How It's Used

Interior Design

"The interior decoration of the house was stunning."

Event Planning

"The Christmas decorations were put up early this year."

2

An ornament or something added to enhance the appearance of something; often a medal or award.

/ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən/

nounpositiveBeginner
Object

Something used to make something look more attractive.

The medal was a decoration for his service.

💡 Simply: Think about a medal you get for doing something really well, like winning a race or helping others. That medal is a decoration; it's a special thing that shows you did a great job. It's like a badge of honor.

👶 For kids: Something pretty or special that you put on something to make it look better or to show someone is great.

More Examples

2

She received many decorations for her excellent work.

3

The walls of the restaurant were adorned with festive decorations.

How It's Used

Military

"He received a medal as a decoration for his bravery."

Ceremonial

"The awards ceremony featured numerous decorations."

Tip:Think of a medal as a *decoration* of honor.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

Christmas decorations

Items used to decorate homes, trees, and other places during the Christmas holiday.

"They put up Christmas decorations in early December."

interior decoration

The art or process of designing the interior of a room or building.

"She studied interior decoration at college."

From Latin *decoratio* 'an adorning,' from *decorare* 'to adorn, beautify,' from *decor* 'beauty, grace, ornament.'

The word 'decoration' has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to the act of adorning or beautifying something.

Memory tip

Think of adding *decor* to something to make it *decoration*.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to adorn, beautify"

Christmas decorationsroom decorationinterior decorationmilitary decorationbirthday decorations

Common misspellings

decorationsdecortation

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written