What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ornament
Example
The Christmas tree was adorned with beautiful ornaments. [ornaments: noun]
Example
The vase was a simple design, but the ornament on top made it look more elegant. [ornament: noun]
accessory
Example
She wore a necklace and earrings as accessories to her dress. [accessories: noun]
Example
The phone case was an accessory that protected the phone and added a pop of color. [accessory: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accessory is more commonly used than ornament in everyday language. Accessory is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while ornament is less common and often associated with holiday decorations or specific types of embellishments.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ornament and accessory?
Accessory is a more formal term than ornament. While ornament is often associated with casual or festive contexts, accessory is commonly used in fashion and design industries, making it a more formal term.
