Gilded
ˈɡɪldɪd
Definitions
3 meaningsTo cover the surface of something with a thin layer of gold or a gold-colored substance.
ˈɡɪld
To cover something with a thin layer of gold.
The sculptor gilded the statue to make it shine.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're putting gold-colored sprinkles on a cupcake to make it extra fancy. Gilded means to coat something with a thin layer of gold or something that looks like gold, like adding sparkle!
👶 For kids: Making something look gold by putting gold stuff on it.
More Examples
The antique mirror had a beautifully gilded frame.
She gilded the lily by adding too many unnecessary details to her story.
How It's Used
"The artist gilded the frame of the painting, adding a touch of luxury."
"The company gilded the shares with a false value."
Covered with gold, or having a golden appearance.
ˈɡɪldɪd
Covered or decorated with gold.
The queen's throne was gilded with gold.
💡 Simply: Think of a fancy frame around a painting, or a shiny, golden object that is made to be pretty! If something is gilded, it means it's covered in a thin layer of gold, or it looks like it is, making it look glamorous.
👶 For kids: Covered in gold or looking like it is.
More Examples
The gilded palace sparkled in the sunlight.
The gilded age was a time of great wealth and social inequality.
How It's Used
"The gilded cage trapped the caged birds."
"The room was filled with gilded mirrors and furniture."
(Figurative) Appearing attractive or valuable but actually of little worth or substance; superficial.
ˈɡɪldɪd
Appearing attractive but lacking real value or substance.
The gilded exterior of the mansion hid a life of poverty and sadness.
💡 Simply: Sometimes things look really nice on the outside, like a fancy package, but they're empty inside. If something's gilded in this way, it means it looks good, but it's hiding something not so great.
👶 For kids: Something that looks pretty on the outside but isn't good inside.
More Examples
Critics found the movie's glamour to be a gilded facade covering a shallow story.
The gilded promises of the political campaign proved to be empty.
How It's Used
"The gilded lifestyle often masks deep unhappiness."
"The gilded promises of the candidate fell flat."
Idioms & expressions
gild the lily
To try to improve something that is already beautiful or perfect, usually with unnecessary or excessive adornment, often resulting in a negative effect.
"Adding more glitter to the already sparkly dress would be gilding the lily."
the Gilded Age
A period of rapid economic growth, especially in the United States, during the late 19th century. Characterized by corruption, social inequality, and the stark contrast between the wealthy and the poor.
"Historians study the Gilded Age to understand the roots of modern American society."
From Middle English *gilden*, past participle of *gilden* 'to gild', from Old English *gyldan* 'to gild', from Proto-Germanic *gulþaną*, from *gulþą* 'gold'.
The verb 'gild' and its past participle 'gilded' have been used for centuries in art, literature, and descriptions of wealth and adornment.
Memory tip
Think of the Midas touch: everything he touched turned to gold. GILD is the act of *making* something gold, not necessarily transforming it.
Word Origin
"to cover with gold"