decorative
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for decorative, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Serving mainly to decorate or add visual appeal, rather than to serve a practical function.
How to use decorative
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin decorātus + -ive, matching French décoratif.
Full origin of decorative →Frequently asked questions
What does “decorative” mean?
The word “decorative” means serving mainly to decorate or add visual appeal, rather than to serve a practical function. In plain terms, existing to look nice, not necessarily to be useful.
How do you pronounce “decorative”?
“Decorative” is pronounced DEHK-uh-ruh-tihv (/ˈdɛk.ə.ɹə.tɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “decorative” in a sentence?
Here is “decorative” used in a sentence: “The vase was purely decorative and never actually held flowers.”
What part of speech is “decorative”?
“Decorative” is an adjective.
Where does the word “decorative” come from?
The word “decorative” comes from Latin. From Latin decorātus + -ive, matching French décoratif.
Is “decorative” a common word?
“Decorative” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between decorative and functional?
Decorative describes something that serves mainly to add visual appeal, while functional describes something designed primarily to perform a practical task. An object can be described as purely decorative when it has little or no practical use beyond appearance.
Can something be both decorative and functional?
Yes, many objects, such as ornate door handles or patterned tiles, combine both qualities, serving a practical function while also being designed to look attractive. However, calling something decorative usually emphasizes its visual role over its practical one.