What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gussying
Example
She spent hours gussying herself up for the party. [gussying: verb]
Example
The interior designer suggested gussying up the living room with some new throw pillows and curtains. [gussying up: phrasal verb]
ornament
Example
The Christmas tree was adorned with beautiful ornaments. [ornaments: noun]
Example
She decided to ornament her wedding dress with lace and pearls. [ornament: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ornament is more commonly used than gussying in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more formal. Gussying is a more colloquial term that is used less frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gussying and ornament?
Ornament is generally considered more formal than gussying, which has a more casual connotation. However, both words can be used in a variety of contexts, from fashion to interior design, and their formality level may depend on the specific context in which they are used.