What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
garnish
Example
The chef garnished the plate with fresh herbs before serving. [garnished: past tense]
Example
A slice of lemon can be used to garnish the glass of water. [garnish: verb]
ornament
Example
The Christmas tree was adorned with colorful ornaments. [ornaments: noun]
Example
She ornamented the cake with edible flowers and sugar pearls. [ornamented: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ornament is more commonly used than garnish in everyday language. Ornament is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while garnish is less common and refers specifically to the decoration of food and drinks.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between garnish and ornament?
Both garnish and ornament can be used in formal and informal contexts, but ornament is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
