ENGLISH
REFERENCE

decoration

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌdɛkɝˈeɪʃən// UK //dˌɛkəɹˈeɪʃən// dec·o·ra·tion General-service

n. something pretty that you add to a room or an object to make it look better. It can also mean the act of painting or adding wallpaper to a house.

n. an object or ornament used to enhance the aesthetic appearance of something; also the process of painting or papering a building. Both countable for specific items and uncountable for the general activity.


SIMPLE

We put up a colorful decoration for the party.

CONTEXTUAL

The interior designer chose a minimalist decoration to make the small apartment feel more spacious and modern.

COMPLEX

While the structural integrity of the cathedral remained sound, the intricate stone decoration had suffered significant erosion from centuries of exposure to acidic rain.

Synonyms
Origin

From Latin decoratio: compare French décoration. Morphologically decorate + -ion.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general act of improving a building's appearance; countable when referring to individual ornaments.

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