adornment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adornment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that decorates or enhances the appearance of something else, often in the context of fashion or design. Example: "The necklace was a beautiful adornment that completed her outfit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The screen version of Testament of Youth gilds the lily of Vera Brittain's memoir – though fans of the book may well feel it didn't need so much extra adornment.

The Guardian - Film

And it was the adornment of a place of danger with the memorabilia of attachment and love – kids' clothes, photographs – that touched them, too.

The Guardian

Pat replies that it would be inappropriate to spend the money on "personal adornment"; he will send it to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People instead.There are recollections of a childhood growing up poor in a single-parent family in New York, collecting cents on coke bottles.

The Economist

Women are variously told to "draw their veils over their bosoms and not to reveal their adornment save to their own husbands", or to "cover their bosoms with their veils and not show their finery" or to "draw their shawls over the cleavages in their clothes".

The Economist

Do adornment or finery really mean the hair and face?

The Economist

Jewels were regularly reset a necklace may become a bodice adornment or belt buckles and then lent to extended family or an intended.

The Economist

Appointment to a corporate board once seemed an undemanding honour, the ideal adornment to an already successful career.

The Economist

Remember the matron who objects to Hester Prynne's scarlet letter: "Why, look you, she may cover it with a brooch, or suchlike heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever!"But voters appear to be comfortable on the high horse.

The Economist

The seemingly insatiable demand of mainly Western investors, drawn to gold as a store of value rather than as an adornment, has driven the price from less than $700 an ounce in 2007 to more than $1,200 since May this year.

The Economist

So, soon, will the final adornment of any upwardly mobile city: an IKEA.

The Economist

But the very intimacy of Klimt's sensuous sketches opens up a new dimension of this artist and his ability to convey delicate emotions in a deviously arched eyebrow or pursed lip.An exhibition at the Musée Maillol in Paris brings together some 120 erotic drawings that explore the naked female form without the ornament or adornment that is typical of the artist's better-known works.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing visual elements, use "adornment" to emphasize the decorative aspect and how it enhances the overall aesthetic.

Common error

Avoid using "adornment" when simpler words like "decoration" or "ornament" suffice. It can sound overly formal in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "adornment" is as a noun. It functions as a subject, object, or complement in sentences, referring to something that decorates or enhances. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

32%

News & Media

30%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "adornment" is grammatically correct and very commonly used to describe the act of decorating or something that enhances appearance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this word is suitable for formal and scientific contexts, with frequent appearances in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific articles. While "adornment" effectively emphasizes decorative aspects, avoid overuse in casual contexts where simpler alternatives like "decoration" or "ornament" may suffice. In summary, "adornment" adds sophistication to descriptive writing when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embellishment

Refers to adding decorative features to something to make it more attractive.

decoration

Denotes the act of decorating or the items used for it.

ornamentation

Highlights the use of ornaments as a form of decoration.

beautification

Emphasizes the process of making something beautiful or more attractive.

enhancement

Focuses on improving the quality or attractiveness of something.

embellishing

The act of adding details to make something more attractive.

enrichment

Implies adding value or quality through decoration.

furbishing

Suggests equipping or fitting out with what is needed, often including decorative elements.

trimming

Refers to adding finishing touches or decorative elements.

garnish

Highlights the addition of something to enhance appearance, often in culinary contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "adornment" in a sentence?

You can use "adornment" to describe something that decorates or enhances the appearance of something else. For example, "The necklace was a beautiful adornment that completed her outfit."

What words can I use instead of "adornment"?

You can use alternatives like "decoration", "embellishment", or "ornamentation" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "adornment" in a formal context?

Yes, "adornment" is suitable for formal contexts, particularly when describing artistic or elaborate decorations. However, ensure it fits the overall tone and isn't overly verbose.

What is the difference between "adornment" and "ornament"?

"Adornment" is a broader term referring to anything that enhances appearance, while "ornament" specifically refers to a decorative object or detail. Thus, an ornament can be a type of adornment.