Word
decorative
Phoneticsdec·o·ra·tive
US/ˈdɛkɹətɪv/
UK/dˈɛkɹətˌɪv/
Definitions
01ornamental
B1 · Intermediate
adj. made to look attractive or pretty, often without a practical use.
adj. serving to provide ornament or to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space or object.
“The mirror has a decorative gold frame that looks beautiful in the hallway.”
“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'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02an ornamental object
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. an object like a plant or a tile that you use to make a place look better.
n. a physical object, such as a botanical specimen or architectural element, used primarily for its aesthetic value.
“The gardener suggested planting several decoratives along the stone path.”
“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.
Teaching tip
This noun usage is specialised; in everyday English, people usually say 'decoration' or 'ornament'.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Latin decorātus + -ive. Cognate with French décoratif.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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