decorative

decorative — adjective

1. designed to add beauty or visual appeal to an object or space, rather than servi

1.形容詞B2
釋義

designed to add beauty or visual appeal to an object or space, rather than serving a strictly practical function

例句

Leila placed a decorative vase on the shelf next to the old wooden clock.

collocation: decorative vase / decorative bowl

The cushions on the sofa were purely decorative and not meant for sleeping.

adverb: purely decorative, merely decorative

同義詞
  • ornamental

    direct synonym; slightly more formal, often used for architectural or garden features

  • aesthetic

    broader; describes a whole approach based on beauty rather than the object's purpose

  • embellished

    implies that decoration has been added to something, often in a detailed or elaborate way

反義詞
  • functional

    describes something that serves a practical purpose rather than looking nice

  • plain

    describes something simple with no added decoration

  • utilitarian

    describes something designed purely for usefulness, with no concern for appearance

用法筆記

Commonly modifies nouns for household objects (vase, cushion, lamp, bowl, mirror, item) or architectural features (fence, panel, arch, trim). Rarely used to describe living things.

常見錯誤

The decorative room was full of flowers.
The decorated room was full of flowers.
💡'decorative' describes something designed to look nice; 'decorated' describes something that has already been adorned.