Word
gilded
Phoneticsgild·ed
US/ˈɡɪɫdɪd/
UK/ɡˈɪldɪd/
Definition
adj. covered with a thin layer of gold. It can also describe something that looks very successful or rich on the outside, even if it has problems underneath.
adj. covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint; having a deceptively attractive appearance that conceals something of lesser value. Often used figuratively to describe a period of wealth or a privileged lifestyle.
Examples
“The museum displays a beautiful gilded mirror.”
“The wealthy family lived a gilded life, attending parties every night while ignoring the growing debt of their business.”
“Historians often refer to the late nineteenth century as a gilded age, noting that the era's immense industrial wealth frequently masked deep-seated social inequality and political corruption.”
Examples
simple
“The museum displays a beautiful gilded mirror.”
contextual
“The wealthy family lived a gilded life, attending parties every night while ignoring the growing debt of their business.”
complex
“Historians often refer to the late nineteenth century as a gilded age, noting that the era's immense industrial wealth frequently masked deep-seated social inequality and political corruption.”
Usage
Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun; can also function as the past participle of the verb 'gild'.
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters As with the ballroom-bunker, the arch has become larger and more encrusted with gilded ornament – in a word, more Trumpian – as it has progressed.” “A gilded statue of Malania, one of Elden Ring’s toughest bosses, looms over this dimly lit conference room inside From’s headquarters, a bonfire checkpoint away from the chaos.” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/gilded