# decorated

/ˈdɛkɝˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /dˈɛkəɹˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decorated
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. adorned or made attractive

adjective · CEFR A2

having beautiful things added to it to make it look better.

For teachers: adorned with ornamental items or patterns to enhance aesthetic appeal.

- The children were excited to see the beautifully decorated cake at the party.
- The ballroom was lavishly decorated with silk ribbons and fresh lilies for the charity gala.

### 2. honoured with awards

adjective · CEFR B2

having received many prizes or medals, especially for brave work in the military.

For teachers: having received numerous awards, medals, or distinctions, particularly in a military or professional context.

- The retired general was a highly decorated soldier who served for thirty years.
- As one of the most decorated athletes in the country's history, she was the natural choice to carry the flag.

Usage: Often preceded by an adverb like 'highly' or 'heavily'.

### 3. architectural style

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

a style of building from 14th-century England that uses a lot of stone patterns.

For teachers: relating to the second phase of English Gothic architecture, characterised by elaborate window tracery and ornate stonework.

- The cathedral is a famous example of the Decorated style of architecture.
- The church features exquisite Decorated tracery in the east window, marking a transition from the simpler Early English period.

Usage: Usually capitalised when referring specifically to the architectural period.

Teaching tip: This is a very specific term for art history and architecture students; general learners rarely need it.

## Examples

- They decorated the living room with colorful lights.
- The pastry chef decorated the wedding cake with delicate sugar flowers and silver pearls.
- The architect decorated the building's facade with intricate stone carvings that reflected the local history, ensuring the structure felt integrated into the surrounding neighborhood.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.