embellishment
|em-bel-lish-ment|
/ɪmˈbɛlɪʃmənt/
(embellish)
add decorative details
Etymology
'embellishment' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'embelir,' where 'em-' meant 'in' and 'bel' meant 'beautiful.'
'embelir' transformed into the Middle English word 'embellisshen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'embellishment.'
Initially, it meant 'to make beautiful,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'adding decorative details.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a decorative detail or feature added to something to make it more attractive.
The dress was plain, but the embellishment of lace added elegance.
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Noun 2
a detail, especially one that is untrue, added to a story to make it more interesting or entertaining.
The story was full of embellishments that made it hard to believe.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41