Word
ornate
Phoneticsor·nate, stress on the second syllable
US/ɔɹˈneɪt/
UK/ɔːnˈeɪt/
Definitions
01highly decorated
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. having a lot of complicated patterns or decorations, often in a traditional style.
adj. elaborately or sumptuously adorned, often featuring complex patterns or intricate details.
“The old church had an ornate gold ceiling that took years to paint.”
“The mahogany desk featured ornate carvings of mythical creatures along its legs, reflecting the craftsmanship of the late nineteenth century.”
02complex writing style
C1 · Advanced Academic · Formal
adj. using many unusual or fancy words to describe something.
adj. referring to a literary or rhetorical style that is flowery, complex, or excessively polished.
“The author is famous for his ornate prose and long, descriptive sentences.”
“Critics argued that the poet's ornate metaphors obscured the emotional core of the work, making it difficult for modern readers to connect with.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“At last, Major and Minor passed through the ornate gates forming the old hospital’s main entrance.” “In one, she stands in a blue tunic in the ornate courtyard of a temple, smiling gently at the camera.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Latin ōrnātus, perfect passive participle of ōrnō (“to equip, adorn”), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix). Doublet of orné.
From Latin ōrnātus, perfect passive participle of ōrnō (“to equip, adorn”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Compare French orner.
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.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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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