Decorative Meaning
/ˈdɛk.ə.ɹə.tɪv/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjThat serves to decorate
nounA plant, tile, etc. intended for use as decoration.
Sentence Examples
Do up the box with decorative tape.
It's a very decorative plant.
Rosemaling is a style of decorative painting developed in Norway.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The shelf held a small, ____ vase with a painted floral pattern.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Do up the box with ____ tape.
Word Origin & History
From Latin decorātus + -ive. Cognate with French décoratif.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Elegant brick and stone buildings, with iron and glass canopies and decorative wooden scalloping and fencing—all evidencing care on the part of the architect to produce a pleasing, well-planned building—were submerged beneath a profusion of ill-conceived additions and camouflaged by vulgar paint schemes; and the original conception was lost."
— 1962 October, Brian Haresnape, “Focus on B.R. passenger stations”, in Modern Railways, pages 250–251:
"The parsnip, stilton and chestnut combination may taste good, but it's not terribly decorative. In fact, dull's the word, a lingering adjectival ghost of nut roasts past that I'm keen to banish from the table."
— 2011 December 15, Felicity Cloake, “How to cook the perfect nut roast”, in Guardian:
"And I’ll be honest. I’ll be honest, seeing stories like that is enough to make me glad that the Queen of England is mostly decorative now. In fact, the most relevant thing she’s done recently was announced that this week, she’s going to visit the Game of Thrones set."
— 2014, Tim Carvell [et al.], “Dr. Oz and Nutritional Supplements”, in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, season 1, episode 8, John Oliver (actor), Warner Bros. Television, via HBO:
"Analysts said the company’s results were in line, but noted that organic growth at the decoratives business was slightly weaker than expected."
— 2007 October 24, The Associated Press, “Dutch Maker of Chemicals Reports Drop in Earnings”, in New York Times:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The shelf held a small, ____ vase with a painted floral pattern.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Do up the box with ____ tape.