adornment
gb/ədˈɔɹnmənt/ us/ədˈɔɹnmənt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
entity
1
decoration that makes attractive
something you add or wear to look nicer.
Usage pattern:
[an adornment] (to/for) [something] | [adornments]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse adornment (a decoration) with advertisement (marketing).
Synonyms
ornament (Very close in meaning; often suggests something decorative and non-essential.)
|
decoration (Broader and more everyday; can refer to any decorative item.)
|
embellishment (Often suggests added decorative detail, sometimes excessive.)
|
accessory (Common in fashion; may be practical as well as decorative.)
Antonyms
plainness (The absence of decoration or extra detail.)
|
simplicity (A style with few or no decorative extras.)
Collocations
hair adornment
|bridal adornments
|gold adornment
|floral adornment
|decorative adornments
|ornate adornments
|simple adornment
|traditional adornments
|costume adornments
|adornments and accessories
Themes
appearance
|fashion
|arts_culture
|daily_life
Examples
- The necklace was a simple adornment that brightened her outfit.
- The room felt calmer after they removed most of the wall adornments.
- Fresh flowers are a cheap adornment for the table.
Learner examples
- She wore a small adornment in her hair.
- The vase is an adornment on the shelf.
Noun
formal
C1
action
2
act of decorating something
the way something is decorated.
Usage pattern:
the adornment of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may use adornment where decoration is more natural in casual speech.
Synonyms
decoration (More common and neutral; can refer to the act or the items used.)
|
ornamentation (Often used for design details on buildings or objects; slightly technical/formal.)
|
embellishment (Focuses on added decorative details, sometimes unnecessary.)
Antonyms
austerity (A style that avoids decoration.)
|
simplicity (A preference for minimal decoration.)
Collocations
the adornment of the church
|the adornment of the home
|architectural adornment
|interior adornment
|excessive adornment
|simple adornment
|rich adornment
|ornamental adornment
|adornment and decoration
|adornment of the façade
Themes
arts_culture
|appearance
|home
Examples
- The building’s adornment reflects the tastes of the period.
- They argued over the adornment of the stage for the ceremony.
- In this style, structure matters more than adornment.
Learner examples
- The adornment of the hall took all afternoon.
Noun
formal
C2
entity
3
person or thing adding distinction
someone or something that makes a place or group look better.
Usage pattern:
an adornment to [place/group/thing]
Common mistake:
This figurative use is formal; in everyday speech, people often say credit, pride, or asset instead.
Synonyms
asset (Emphasizes usefulness or value rather than beauty.)
|
credit (Emphasizes honor or praise brought to someone or something.)
|
pride (Emphasizes something admired and celebrated.)
Antonyms
disgrace (Something that brings shame rather than honor or attractiveness.)
|
liability (Something that is a burden rather than a benefit.)
Collocations
an adornment to the city
|an adornment to the university
|a cultural adornment
|a moral adornment
|a social adornment
|an adornment of society
|an adornment to the community
Themes
society
|evaluation
|education
Examples
- Her research is an adornment to the institution as well as a real contribution.
- The park is an adornment to the neighborhood.
- He was praised as an adornment to the profession.
Learner examples
- The new library is an adornment to the town.
Grammar
Dictionary form
adornment
IPA
GB/ədˈɔɹnmənt/
US/ədˈɔɹnmənt/
Syllables & stress
ad - orn - ment (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (orn)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: adornment
- Plural: adornment, adornments
Word family
Expressions
an adornment to [place/group/thing]
1/ən ədˈɔɹnmənt tə plˈeɪsɡɹˈupθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
formal
adds honor or beauty
make a place or group look better.
Examples
- The new museum is an adornment to the waterfront.
- She is widely regarded as an adornment to the department.
- The award was described as an adornment to the company’s reputation.
for adornment
1/fɚ ədˈɔɹnmənt/
fixed phrase
formal
for decoration, not function
only to make something look nicer.
Examples
- The beads were worn for adornment rather than to show status.
- Some buttons on the jacket are purely for adornment.
- The extra stitching is there for adornment, not strength.
personal adornment
1/pˈɚsənəl ədˈɔɹnmənt/
fixed phrase
jewelry and decorative accessories
things like jewelry you wear to look nice.
Examples
- The store sells watches and other items of personal adornment.
- In some cultures, tattoos are considered a form of personal adornment.
- She chose simple personal adornment for the interview.
without adornment
1/wɪðˈaʊt ədˈɔɹnmənt/
fixed phrase
literary
plain; not decorated
simple, with no decoration.
Examples
- The room was painted white and left without adornment.
- He spoke without adornment, focusing on the facts.
- The design is elegant even without adornment.