decorative
[dek-er-uh-tiv, dek-ruh-, dek-uh-rey-]
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Origin of decorative
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for decorative
Contemporary Examples
Decorative yes, but a daily handbag that will sweep through the closets of women worldwide?
Decorative value is largely incidental to artistic merit as defined by critics.
Sneer and Clothing in Miami: Inside The $3 Billion Woodstock of Contemporary ArtJay Michaelson
December 6, 2014
Having been taught Modernism, a school of thought that scoffs at the decorative, materials became his primary means of expression.
Undergarments did enjoy a brief moment of exposure in the 18th century, with the ruling class indulging in decorative corsets.
What such tours show most surreally is that both mother and baby share a silent, symbolic, decorative role.
Historical Examples
They belong to the decorative background of the social drama.
The American MindBliss Perry
Has serious objection to use of her head, except for decorative purposes.
Who Was Who: 5000 B. C. to DateAnonymous
One kind hardens the surfaces without any decorative effect.
Love and LucyMaurice Henry Hewlett
As to decorative embellishments, the church is by no means lacking.
The Cathedrals of Northern FranceFrancis Miltoun
For this purpose all the decorative talent of the town is engaged.
The Pearl of the Antilles, or An Artist in CubaWalter Goodman
decorative
- serving to decorate or adorn; ornamental
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for decorative
adj.
early 15c., from Middle French decoratif, from decorat-, past participle stem of Latin decorare (see decorate).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper