# decorative

/ˈdɛkɹətɪv/ (US) · /dˈɛkɹətˌɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/decorative
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. ornamental

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. an ornamental object

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The bowl is purely decorative and cannot hold water.
- She added several decorative pillows to the sofa to make the living room feel more colorful.
- While the iron gates were originally designed for security, their intricate floral patterns now serve a primarily decorative function in the garden's overall design.

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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.