What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gaud
Example
The gaudy decorations on the Christmas tree were overwhelming. [gaudy: adjective]
Example
She wore a gaudy necklace that looked like it was made of plastic. [gaudy: adjective]
ornament
Example
The Christmas tree was adorned with beautiful ornaments. [ornaments: noun]
Example
She wore a delicate ornament in her hair that matched her dress. [ornament: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ornament is more commonly used than gaud in everyday language. Ornament is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gaud is less common and refers to a specific type of decoration that is often considered tacky or tasteless.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gaud and ornament?
While gaud is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, ornament is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
