beautify

[ byoo-tuh-fahy ]

verb (used with or without object)

, beau·ti·fied, beau·ti·fy·ing.

1. to make or become beautiful.

   Synonyms: array, bedeck, enhance, embellish, adorn

beautify

/ ˌbjuːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃən; ˈbjuːtɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become beautiful

Derived Forms

• ˈbeautiˌfier, noun
• beautification, noun

Other Words From

• beau·ti·fi·ca·tion [byoo-t, uh, -fi-, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• beauti·fier noun
• un·beauti·fied adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of beautify¹

First recorded in 1520–30; beauty + -fy

Example Sentences

Calling their creation the “business climate,” boosters went to ever-greater lengths to create favorable conditions for capital investment, promising excellent roads, good schools, quality health care, leisure activities and beautified public spaces.

From Washington Post

Today, though, more and more young people—and especially teenage girls—are using filters that “beautify” their appearance and promise to deliver model-esque looks by sharpening, shrinking, enhancing, and recoloring their faces and bodies.

From MIT Technology Review

If you’re into edible flowers, fennel blooms in midsummer with tiny yellow blossoms to pluck and beautify whatever dishes you’re making.

From Washington Post

The right fish tank can beautify a space, and keep your fish healthy and happy for a long time.

From Popular-Science

Google is taking aim at photo face filters and other “beautifying” techniques that mental health experts believe can warp a person’s self-confidence, particularly when they’re introduced to younger users.

From TechCrunch

When they hear of trouble on the Mountain the selectmen look the other way, and pass an appropriation to beautify the town pump.

From Project Gutenberg

Then a sweet little pink flower said, “Do not grieve mother, I will go up upon your robe and beautify it.”

From Project Gutenberg

Are not flowers and shrubs which beautify the lawn as desirable as beans and turnips and cabbages?

From Project Gutenberg

The letter to Bliss and the proofs were full of suggested changes that would refine and beautify the text.

From Project Gutenberg

Notwithstanding all hindrances, it is an easier matter to beautify the outside than to reform that which is within.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• adorn
• bedeck
• decorate