Adornment is a term that is used to describe the process of decorating or embellishing something, often with the intention of making it more attractive or appealing. Adornment can take many different forms, from jewelry and clothing to home decor and even body art. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of adornment, its origin, and how it is interpreted in different dictionaries.
Definitions
The Oxford English Dictionary defines adornment as “the action or process of decorating or enhancing something, especially a person’s appearance.” Merriam-Webster defines adornment as “an object or decoration that adds beauty to something.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines adornment as “the act of decorating something or someone, or the thing that is added to make it more beautiful.”
Origin
The word “adornment” comes from the Latin word “adornare,” which means “to decorate.” The concept of adornment has been around for thousands of years, with evidence of jewelry and other decorative objects dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Meaning in different dictionaries
As mentioned earlier, the meaning of adornment varies slightly depending on which dictionary you consult. However, they all agree that adornment involves the act of decorating or enhancing something to make it more beautiful or appealing.
Associations
Adornment is often associated with fashion and beauty, as it is commonly used to enhance a person’s appearance. However, it can also be used to decorate objects, such as furniture or home decor, to make them more visually appealing.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for adornment include decoration, embellishment, ornamentation, and beautification.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for adornment include plainness, simplicity, and minimalism.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as adornment include adorn, adorned, and adorning.
Example Sentences
- She wore a beautiful necklace as an adornment to her outfit.
- The room was filled with various adornments, from paintings to sculptures.
- The artist spent hours adorning the canvas with intricate details.
- The minimalist design of the building eschewed any unnecessary adornments.