What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adorn
Example
The bride's hair was adorned with a beautiful tiara. [adorned: past participle]
Example
The Christmas tree was adorned with colorful lights and ornaments. [adorn: verb]
ornament
Example
The room was filled with beautiful ornaments, including vases and sculptures. [ornaments: noun]
Example
We spent the afternoon making homemade ornaments for the Christmas tree. [ornament: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ornament is more commonly used than adorn in everyday language. Ornament is a specific term that refers to a decorative object, while adorn is a more general term that can describe a wide range of decorative actions.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between adorn and ornament?
Both adorn and ornament can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, adorn may be slightly more formal due to its versatility and ability to describe a wide range of decorative actions.
