Word
ornamental
Phoneticsor·na·men·tal, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɔɹnəˈmɛntəɫ/
UK/ˌɔːnəmˈɛntəl/
Definition
adj. used as a decoration to make something look more attractive. It is usually not meant to be useful or practical.
adj. serving as a decorative element rather than a functional one. Often used to describe plants, objects, or architectural features intended solely for aesthetic appeal.
Examples
“The garden is full of ornamental plants.”
“While the fireplace is purely ornamental and cannot be used for heating, it serves as a beautiful focal point for the living room.”
“The gate featured intricate ornamental ironwork that reflected the Victorian era's preference for elaborate decoration over minimalist utility.”
Examples
simple
“The garden is full of ornamental plants.”
contextual
“While the fireplace is purely ornamental and cannot be used for heating, it serves as a beautiful focal point for the living room.”
complex
“The gate featured intricate ornamental ironwork that reflected the Victorian era's preference for elaborate decoration over minimalist utility.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often contrasted with 'functional' or 'utilitarian'.
Real-World Examples
“Although the objects tested included tools, weapons, jewelry and other ornamental items, only finger rings were made of meteoritic iron.” “The door to the west wing, filled with flowering and ornamental plants, was open.” Etymology
From ornament + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/ornamental