flowery

flowery — adjective

1. having a pattern or design that shows flowers, like the kind found on fabrics, w

1.形容詞B1
釋義

having a pattern or design that shows flowers, like the kind found on fabrics, wallpaper, or clothing — for example, a summer dress covered in painted roses or a sofa with a rose-print cushion cover.

例句

Élise wore a flowery dress to the summer wedding in the garden.

attributive: flowery + clothing noun

The old sofa still looked cheerful with its faded flowery fabric.

同義詞
  • floral

    more formal and widely used for patterns, prints, and scents; 'floral print' is more common than 'flowery print'

  • flowered

    very similar but slightly less common; 'flowered wallpaper' and 'flowery wallpaper' are both used

反義詞
  • plain

    without any pattern or decoration

文法句型

flowery + noun (dress, fabric, wallpaper, pattern)

用法筆記

This sense is almost always used before a noun (attributive position). It describes the surface look of an object, not its material or function.

常見錯誤

❌The garden was very flowery in spring.
✅The garden was full of flowers in spring.
💡'flowery' means 'decorated with flower patterns,' not 'covered in real flowers.'

2. using long, impressive-sounding words in writing or speech, making the style see

2.形容詞B2
釋義

using long, impressive-sounding words in writing or speech, making the style seem overly complex rather than natural and direct — for example, a wedding invitation that says 'we cordially beseech your esteemed presence' instead of 'please come.'

例句

The politician's flowery speech did not convince the tired voters.

typically negative or critical tone

Emre's writing teacher told him to avoid flowery language and be more direct.

同義詞
  • ornate

    neutral or slightly positive; can describe beautiful decoration without the negative tone of 'flowery'

  • florid

    stronger disapproval, suggesting the writing is exaggerated or unhealthy in style

  • elaborate

    neutral; describes thorough detail without carrying disapproval

反義詞

文法句型

flowery + noun (language, speech, words, style, description)

be + flowery

用法筆記

This sense is almost always critical or disapproving. It is common in reviews of writing, speeches, advertisements, and official messages. Unlike 'ornate' or 'elaborate,' which can be neutral or positive, 'flowery' is nearly always negative.

常見錯誤

❌Her writing is very poetic and flowery (as a compliment).
✅Her writing is very poetic and vivid.
💡'flowery' is negative; use 'poetic,' 'vivid,' or 'elegant' for praise.