What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
embellish
Example
She embellished her dress with sequins and beads. [embellished: past tense]
Example
The author embellished the story with vivid descriptions and colorful language. [embellished: verb]
decorate
Example
We decorated the Christmas tree with lights and ornaments. [decorated: past tense]
Example
She loves to decorate her house with colorful paintings and sculptures. [decorate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Decorate is more commonly used than embellish in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts and objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between embellish and decorate?
Embellish is often associated with a more formal or artistic tone, while decorate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
