ENGLISH
REFERENCE

adorn

v.
C1 Advanced US //əˈdɔɹn// UK //ɐdˈɔːn// adorn Archaic

v. to make something look more beautiful by adding decorations to it.

v. to enhance the appearance of something by adding decorative elements or ornaments. Transitive; requires a direct object and often takes the preposition 'with'.


SIMPLE

They adorn the hall with flowers for the wedding.

CONTEXTUAL

The local residents adorn their windows with bright lights and wreaths every December.

COMPLEX

Intricate gold leaf and vibrant frescoes adorn the ceiling of the cathedral, reflecting the immense wealth and artistic ambition of the era.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English adornen, adournen, from Latin adōrnāre; from ad- + ōrnō (“furnish, embellish”). See adore, ornate. Replaced earlier Middle English aournen (“to adorn”) borrowed from Old French aorner, from the same Latin source.

Usage

The verb is transitive and frequently appears in the passive voice ('is adorned with').

Idioms1 entry

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