decoration
B1Formal, Neutral, Informal
Definition
Meaning
The act or art of making something look more attractive by adding extra items, patterns, colours, etc.
1. An item, object, or feature that makes something look more attractive (e.g., a Christmas decoration). 2. A medal or honour awarded to someone for their service (e.g., military decorations).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is visual enhancement or adornment. It can be abstract (the act of decorating) or concrete (a specific object used to decorate). The military sense is a specialized metaphorical extension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Identical connotations.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VERB] + decoration (e.g., put up/hang/take down decorations)[ADJECTIVE] + decoration (e.g., ornate/fancy decoration)decoration + [OF] + [NOUN] (e.g., decoration of the hall)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All show and no go (colloquial, implying excessive decoration over substance)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to interior design and office aesthetics (e.g., 'We're updating the office decoration').
Academic
Used in art history, design studies, and anthropology (e.g., 'The decoration of Neolithic pottery').
Everyday
Commonly refers to home decor, festive items, and personal adornment (e.g., 'She loves Christmas decoration').
Technical
In computing/graphics: UI skinning or texturing. In biology: markings on an animal or plant.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to decorate the hall for the party.
- He was decorated for his bravery in the field.
American English
- They're going to decorate the office for Halloween.
- The soldier was decorated with the Silver Star.
adverb
British English
- The cake was decorated beautifully.
- The walls were painted decoratively.
American English
- She arranged the flowers decoratively.
- The trim was applied decoratively along the edge.
adjective
British English
- The decorative plasterwork is Victorian.
- She has a great eye for decorative arts.
American English
- We picked out decorative pillows for the sofa.
- The fence is purely decorative, not for security.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Christmas decorations are in the box.
- I like the decoration on your cake.
- The interior decoration of the flat is very modern.
- He received a decoration for his long service.
- The elaborate decoration on the manuscript took years to complete.
- Critics argued that the musical piece suffered from excessive decoration.
- The architect eschewed superficial decoration in favour of pure, functional form.
- His war decorations were displayed in a glass case.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DECOR + ATION. DECOR reminds you of the decor of a room, which is its style and decoration.
Conceptual Metaphor
BEAUTY IS AN ADDITIVE SURFACE (something is made beautiful by adding things to its surface).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'декорация' which primarily means 'scenery/props' in a theatre. Use 'украшение' or 'отделка' instead.
- Confusion with 'награда' (award) for the military sense. Use 'орден' or 'медаль' specifically.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'decoration' as an uncountable noun for a single object (e.g., 'I bought a nice decoration' is correct; 'I bought a nice decor' is wrong).
- Misspelling as 'decorration' or 'decoretion'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common meaning of 'decoration'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. Uncountable: 'The room was full of decoration.' (the general concept). Countable: 'We hung up the decorations.' (specific objects).
'Decoration' is broader, covering both the act and the items, and can be temporary (like party decorations). 'Ornament' typically refers to a single, often permanent, decorative object valued for its craftsmanship.
No, the verb is 'decorate'. 'Decoration' is only a noun.
No, the standard IPA transcription /ˌdɛk.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ is used for both major varieties.