redecorate
B1Neutral to formal. Common in everyday, business, and property-related contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To change the appearance of a room or building by painting, putting up new wallpaper, or changing the furnishings.
To refresh or renew the decorative elements of something; can be used metaphorically for refreshing any presentation or appearance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a comprehensive or significant change, not just minor adjustments. Often involves a process requiring planning and effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and vocabulary are identical. Minor differences may exist in typical materials used (e.g., 'wallpaper' vs. 'paint' preferences) but not in the word itself.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: associated with home improvement, property maintenance, and renewal.
Frequency
Equally common in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] redecorates [Object][Subject] redecorates [Place Adjunct]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A change of scenery (related concept)”
- “A new coat of paint (literal and metaphorical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to office refurbishment to improve the work environment or corporate image.
Academic
Rare; might appear in texts on interior design, architecture, or social history of domestic spaces.
Everyday
Common in discussions about home improvement, moving house, or refreshing a living space.
Technical
Used in interior design, property management, and construction industries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We decided to redecorate the lounge before Christmas.
- The landlord is obliged to redecorate between tenancies.
American English
- They're redecorating the entire first floor.
- We need to redecorate the kid's room now she's a teenager.
adjective
British English
- The redecorated hall looked much brighter.
- A freshly redecorated flat commands a higher rent.
American English
- The redecorated lobby impressed the clients.
- They showed us the redecorated model home.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We want to redecorate our kitchen.
- My room is old. I will redecorate it.
- They completely redecorated the office to make it more modern.
- It's expensive to redecorate a large house.
- Having redecorated the guest bedroom, they finally felt ready for visitors.
- The hotel is closed for redecorating and will reopen in June.
- The decision to redecorate the headquarters was driven by a desire to foster collaboration.
- She meticulously planned the redecorating project, sourcing materials from sustainable suppliers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
RE-DECORATE: Think 'decorate again' (RE = again, DECORATE = make beautiful).
Conceptual Metaphor
RENEWAL IS CLEANING/PAINTING (e.g., 'redecorate one's life').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'передекорировать' – it's not standard. Use 'сделать ремонт' (for structural work) or 'обновить интерьер' (for decorative refresh).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'renovate' (which can include structural work) or 'remodel' (changing layout). 'Redecorate' is primarily surface-level. Incorrect: 'We redecorated the kitchen by removing a wall.' (This is remodeling).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'redecorate'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Redecorate' focuses on surface aesthetics (paint, wallpaper, soft furnishings). 'Renovate' implies restoring to a good condition, often involving structural repairs, plumbing, or electrical work.
Typically no. It is used for interior spaces. For gardens, terms like 'landscape', 'relscape', or 'redesign the garden' are more appropriate.
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both casual conversation ('Let's redecorate!') and formal contexts like property contracts ('The lease requires the tenant to redecorate...').
It implies a noticeable, deliberate change, but the scale can vary from one room to an entire building. It suggests more effort than just 'tidying up'.