What does "decorative" mean?

1. (ornamental) made to look attractive or pretty, often without a practical use. 2. (an ornamental object) an object like a plant or a tile that you use to make a place look better.

How do you use "decorative"?

often used to contrast with 'functional' or 'practical'. frequently used in landscaping, interior design, and architecture contexts.

decorative

adj. · n.

US //ˈdɛkɹətɪv// UK //dˈɛkɹətˌɪv// dec·o·ra·tive

1 ornamental (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

made to look attractive or pretty, often without a practical use.

serving to provide ornament or to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space or object.

Example

The mirror has a decorative gold frame that looks beautiful in the hallway.

Example

While the pillars appear to support the ceiling, they are purely decorative and carry no structural weight whatsoever.

Usage

often used to contrast with 'functional' or 'practical'.
2 an ornamental object (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical

an object like a plant or a tile that you use to make a place look better.

a physical object, such as a botanical specimen or architectural element, used primarily for its aesthetic value.

Example

The gardener suggested planting several decoratives along the stone path.

Example

The interior designer selected a series of hand-painted decoratives to serve as the focal point for the kitchen backsplash.

Usage

frequently used in landscaping, interior design, and architecture contexts.

Teacher's tip

This noun usage is specialised; in everyday English, people usually say 'decoration' or 'ornament'.
- ornament
- decoration

Origin

From Latin decorātus + -ive. Cognate with French décoratif.

Word family

Verbdecorate
Noundecorator
Adjectivedecorative