What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ornate
Example
The ornate ceiling of the ballroom was covered in gold leaf and intricate carvings. [ornate: adjective]
Example
The wedding dress was adorned with ornate lace and beading. [ornate: adjective]
intricate
Example
The intricate design of the stained glass window featured hundreds of tiny pieces of colored glass. [intricate: adjective]
Example
The watchmaker spent hours working on the intricate mechanism inside the watch. [intricate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intricate is more commonly used than ornate in everyday language. Intricate is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while ornate is more specific and less common.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ornate and intricate?
Both ornate and intricate are formal words that are often used in academic or technical writing. However, ornate may be associated with a more decorative or artistic context, while intricate may be associated with a more technical or scientific context.
