What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
decorate
Example
She decorated the living room with colorful paintings and plants. [decorate: verb]
Example
The cake was beautifully decorated with frosting and edible flowers. [decorated: past participle]
ornament
Example
The Christmas tree was adorned with colorful ornaments and lights. [ornaments: noun]
Example
She decided to ornament the vase with intricate designs and patterns. [ornament: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decorate is more commonly used than ornament in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Ornament is less common and tends to be used in more formal or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between decorate and ornament?
Ornament is more formal than decorate and is often used in artistic or literary contexts. Decorate, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
