Langimage
English

decorates

|dec-o-rates|

A2

🇺🇸

/ˈdekəˌreɪt/

🇬🇧

/ˈdekəreɪt/

(decorate)

beautify

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNounAdjectiveAdjectiveAdverb
decoratedecoratesdecoratesdecorateddecorateddecoratingdecorationdecoratordecorativeneatdecoratively
Etymology
Etymology Information

'decorate' originates from Latin, specifically the verb 'decorare' (past participle 'decoratus'), where 'decor' meant 'beauty, grace'.

Historical Evolution

'decorate' passed into Old French as 'decorer' and Middle English as 'decoraten', eventually becoming the modern English 'decorate'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to adorn or give beauty', and over time it has retained that core sense while also extending to meanings like 'to award a decoration'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

third-person singular present of 'decorate': to make something more attractive by adding items such as ornaments, paint, or fabric.

She decorates the shop window every season to attract customers.

Synonyms

Antonyms

stripplainundecorate

Verb 2

third-person singular present of 'decorate': to honor someone by giving them a medal, order, or other official award.

The president decorates soldiers who displayed exceptional bravery.

Synonyms

Antonyms

dishonorunaward

Last updated: 2025/11/30 17:52