definitions
  • synonyms

decorative

[ dek-er-uh-tiv, dek-ruh-, dek-uh-rey- ]
/ ˈdɛk ər ə tɪv, ˈdɛk rə-, ˈdɛk əˌreɪ- /
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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR decorative ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

serving or tending to decorate.
Fine Arts. serving only to decorate, in contrast to providing a meaningful experience.

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RELATED WORDS

ornamental, fancy, cosmetic, florid, pretty

Nearby words

decorated, decorated shed, decorated style, decoration, decoration day, decorative, decorative art, decorative arts, decorator, decorous, decorously

Origin of decorative

First recorded in 1785–95; decorate + -ive
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for decorative

British Dictionary definitions for decorative

decorative

/ (ˈdɛkərətɪv, ˈdɛkrətɪv) /

adjective

serving to decorate or adorn; ornamental
Derived Formsdecoratively, adverbdecorativeness, noun
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

decorative

adj.

early 15c., from Middle French decoratif, from decorat-, past participle stem of Latin decorare (see decorate).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper