Ornate
/ɔːrˈneɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsDecorated in a complicated way; covered with fancy patterns and many details.
/ɔːrˈneɪt/
Elaborately decorated
The ornate carvings on the temple's doors told stories of ancient gods.
💡 Simply: Imagine a cake that's not just frosted, but has swirls, flowers, and little statues made of sugar. That's ornate! It means fancy and fancy looking.
👶 For kids: Fancy and decorated! Like a pretty picture with lots of details.
More Examples
The ballroom was decorated with ornate chandeliers and tapestries.
The artist used ornate brushstrokes to create a detailed landscape.
How It's Used
"The cathedral's interior featured an ornate ceiling with intricate carvings."
"The author's ornate prose style was characterized by elaborate metaphors and flowery language."
"The queen's gown was ornate, embroidered with gold thread and studded with jewels."
Characterized by elaborate or excessive ornamentation.
/ɔːrˈneɪt/
Highly elaborate or embellished in style, technique, or manner.
The author employed an ornate writing style, filled with lengthy descriptions.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really fancy and detailed piece of writing, or music that's full of fancy notes and decorations. It's ornate! It is full of flourishes and embellishments.
👶 For kids: Fancy and decorated! Like a pretty picture with lots of details.
More Examples
The building's facade was adorned with ornate sculptures.
The artist used ornate brushstrokes to create a detailed landscape.
How It's Used
"His ornate speech included complex sentence structures and vivid imagery."
"The antique desk featured ornate legs and intricate detailing."
"The composer's ornate melodies were filled with complex harmonies and intricate counterpoint."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
ornate language
Language that is elaborate and flowery in style.
"The novel was praised for its rich and ornate language."
ornate style
A style characterized by elaborate decorations and embellishments.
"The architect was known for his ornate style of building design."
From Latin *ornātus*, past participle of *ornāre* 'to equip, adorn', from *ōrnus* 'equipped'.
The term 'ornate' has been used in the English language since the 15th century, with its meaning largely consistent over time.
Memory tip
Think of a beautiful, *ornamented* picture frame – it's ornate!
Word Origin
"to equip, adorn"