Word
embellishment
Phoneticsem·bel·lish·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛmˈbɛɫɪʃmənt/
UK/ɛmbˈɛlɪʃmənt/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. an extra detail or decoration added to something to make it look more attractive. It can also mean adding extra facts to a story to make it more interesting, even if they are not true.
n. an ornamental addition or decorative detail intended to enhance the appearance of an object. In a narrative context, it refers to the addition of extraneous or fictional details to a story.
Examples
“The dress has a beautiful silver embellishment on the collar.”
“The architect suggested adding a decorative embellishment to the ceiling to match the existing wallpaper.”
“While the core facts of the report were accurate, the author's embellishment of the protagonist's personal life led to significant criticism from the historical community.”
Examples
simple
“The dress has a beautiful silver embellishment on the collar.”
contextual
“The architect suggested adding a decorative embellishment to the ceiling to match the existing wallpaper.”
complex
“While the core facts of the report were accurate, the author's embellishment of the protagonist's personal life led to significant criticism from the historical community.”
Real-World Examples
“If anything, those with greater institutional privilege are more likely to get away with exaggerations, embellishments and even falsehoods on their CVs and promotion applications.” “The oberek no longer needs to be a reference or a folkloric embellishment – it is becoming the language of modern creativity.” Etymology
From embellish + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/embellishment