# embellished

/ɛmˈbɛɫɪʃt/ (US) · /ɛmbˈɛlɪʃt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/embellished
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

made more beautiful or interesting by adding extra details. It can describe an object with decorations or a story that has been made more exciting with extra facts.

For teachers: enhanced or decorated with additional details, whether physical ornamentation or narrative exaggerations. Often used as a participial adjective to describe prose or decorative arts.

## Examples

- The dress is embellished with small gold beads.
- He told an embellished version of the accident to make himself look like a hero.
- The manuscript featured heavily embellished margins, filled with intricate gold leaf and vibrant illustrations that reflected the wealth of its original owner.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after 'be' or 'look', or attributively before a noun. When describing stories, it implies the addition of fictitious details.

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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.