B1verb2K

Decorate

UK /["/ˈdekəreɪt/","/ˈdekəreɪts/","/ˈdekəreɪtɪd/","/ˈdekəreɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈdekəreɪt/","/ˈdekəreɪts/","/ˈdekəreɪtɪd/","/ˈdekəreɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make something look more attractive by putting things on it

In simple words: To make something look better by adding things to it.

Examples

  • We decided to decorate the living room for the holidays.
  • She loves to decorate her cakes with colorful icing.
  • You can decorate your room with posters and fairy lights.
  • For the wedding, they wanted to decorate the venue in a vintage style.
  • He was hired to decorate the new restaurant to give it a modern look.
  • The artist will decorate the walls of the building with murals.

Usage notes

Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly used during celebrations, home improvement, or art projects. Avoid using in technical contexts unrelated to aesthetics.

Grammar pattern

decorate + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'decorator' making a cake look beautiful.

Collocations

  • elaborately
  • gaily
  • heavily
  • with
  • nicely
  • pleasantly
  • tastefully
  • in
  • for
  • highly decorated

Synonyms

  • embellish
  • adorn
  • enhance
  • ornament
  • dress up

Antonyms

  • undecorate
  • strip
  • remove decorations

Common mistakes

  • Using 'decorated' instead of 'decorate' in present tense.
  • Confusing 'decorate' with 'adorne' (which is less common).
  • Omitting the object, saying 'I will decorate' without specifying what.