Ornate Meaning and Definition
Ornate
Pronunciation
/ˈɔrnət/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Decorated or embellished with intricate or ornamental features; elegant and elaborate in design or style.
Examples
- The ornate chandelier hung majestically from the ceiling.
- The chef designed the menu to be ornate, with intricate descriptions of each dish.
- The ornate architecture of the palace deserved a closer look.
- The designer added ornate details to the wedding dress to make it truly special.
- The ornate metalwork on the antique clock reflected the craftsmanship of the era.
Synonyms
- Elegant
- Fastidious
- Lavish
- Velvet
Etymology
From Latin ornatus, past participle of ordinare, to order, arrange, adorn, from ordo, order, arrangement.
Usage Notes
Ornate can be used to describe something that is overly or excessively decorated, as well as something that is elegant and refined in design or style.
When using ornate to describe something, consider whether the word is conveying the intended meaning of elaborate or pretentious.
Cultural References
The term ornate has been used in a variety of cultural contexts, including literature, music, and film. For example, the ornate architecture of the fictional world in Game of Thrones has been praised for its intricate details and elaborate design.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Go to great lengths: to go to great lengths to achieve something, often in an ornate or elaborate way.
Related Words or Phrases
Other words related to ornate include elaborate, intricate, and ornamental.
Collocations
Common collocations with the term ornate include ornate architecture, ornate furniture, and ornate jewelry.
Frequency of Use
Ornate is a relatively infrequent word in modern language, but it can be used to add nuance and precision to descriptions of design, architecture, and art.
Common Misspellings
- Gerbera