Word
ornamentation
Phoneticsor·na·men·ta·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌɔɹnəmɛnˈteɪʃən/
UK/ˌɔːnəmˈɛntˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the extra notes or decorations added to a piece of music to make it sound more beautiful or interesting. It is like the extra details a singer or musician adds to a simple melody.
n. the addition of decorative notes or embellishments to a musical line. Often refers to the specific techniques used by a performer to enhance the expressiveness of a melody.
Examples
“The singer added some beautiful ornamentation to the final verse.”
“In Baroque music, ornamentation was expected to be performed by the musician rather than written into the score by the composer.”
“The pianist's intricate ornamentation transformed the simple folk melody into a complex, shimmering display of technical mastery that captivated the audience.”
Examples
simple
“The singer added some beautiful ornamentation to the final verse.”
contextual
“In Baroque music, ornamentation was expected to be performed by the musician rather than written into the score by the composer.”
complex
“The pianist's intricate ornamentation transformed the simple folk melody into a complex, shimmering display of technical mastery that captivated the audience.”
Real-World Examples
“The scans showed that the folds were not merely external ornamentation but part of the structure itself.” “Recordings documenting her performances in the 1970s demonstrate an immaculately schooled tone and exquisite legato line in Mozart , and well-turned ornamentation with genuine trills in Handel.” “Employing both traditional craftsmen and an early version of the assembly line, he created cars that appealed to the Victorian taste for ornamentation—lush carpeting, brocade upholstery, and chandeliers.” Etymology
From ornament + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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
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englishreference.com/q/ornamentation