embellish

[em-bel-ish]

embellish Definition

• 1. to make something more attractive or interesting by adding decorative details or features
• 2. to add untrue details to a story to make it more interesting or exciting

Using embellish: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "embellish" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She embellished her dress with sequins and beads.

• Example

  The author embellished the story with fictional characters.

• Example

  He tends to embellish his accomplishments when telling stories.

• Example

  The chef embellished the dish with fresh herbs and spices.

embellish Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for embellish

• decorate
• ornament
• adorn
• garnish
• enhance

Antonyms for embellish

• reduce
• diminish
• simplify

Idioms Using embellish

• embellish the lily

  to add unnecessary decoration or detail to something that is already beautiful or impressive

  Example

  The design was already perfect, but he couldn't resist embellishing the lily with additional flourishes.

• embellish on something

  to provide more detail or information about something that has already been mentioned

  Example

  Can you embellish on your earlier point about the benefits of exercise?

• embellish one's nest

  to make one's home or living space more comfortable or luxurious

  Example

  After receiving a promotion, she decided to use the extra income to embellish her nest with new furniture and decor.

Phrases with embellish

• embellish the truth

  to add untrue details to a story to make it more interesting or exciting

  Example

  He always embellishes the truth when telling stories about his adventures.

• embellish a resume

  to add false or exaggerated information to a resume in order to make oneself appear more qualified for a job

  Example

  It's not a good idea to embellish your resume, as employers can easily verify your qualifications.

• embellish a cake

  to decorate a cake with frosting, icing, or other decorative elements

  Example

  She spent hours embellishing the cake with intricate designs and patterns.

Origins of embellish

from Old French 'embeliss-', stem of 'embelir', meaning 'to make beautiful'

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Summary: embellish in Brief

The verb 'embellish' [em-bel-ish] means to add decorative details or features to something, or to add untrue details to a story to make it more interesting. It can be used in contexts such as fashion, cooking, and storytelling, as in 'She embellished her dress with sequins and beads,' 'The chef embellished the dish with fresh herbs and spices,' and 'The author embellished the story with fictional characters.' The idiom 'embellish the lily' refers to adding unnecessary decoration to something already beautiful.