highly decorated

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly decorated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is very ornately decorated and is usually used with a noun, such as a soldier or a building. Example sentence: The soldier was highly decorated for his bravery in battle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"These guys are highly decorated," Porter said.

The New York Times

The highly decorated poet's new collection.

Independent

Though small, the pyramid was highly decorated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Stewart became a highly decorated colonel.

The Guardian

Highly decorated Homicide Detective of the NYPD.

The New York Times

Harry was a highly decorated WWII veteran.

The New York Times

After all, he is a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran.

The New York Times

His father was a highly decorated World War I veteran.

The New York Times

(Marlantes himself is a highly decorated Vietnam vet).

The New York Times - Books

Also buttons, especially highly decorated metal "dandy" buttons.

The New York Times

Retired Chairman of Arthur D. Little International, highly decorated WWII U.S. Army Veteran.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, ensure the context makes it clear whether "highly decorated" refers to military honors or other forms of recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "highly decorated" when you simply mean 'ornate' or 'fancy.' This phrase carries a connotation of formal recognition, especially in military or professional contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly decorated" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun possesses a high degree of decoration or has received significant honors. As Ludwig AI explains, it is often associated with military personnel or items of significant ornamentation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly decorated" is a versatile adjective phrase denoting significant embellishment or recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in describing military personnel, objects of art, or individuals with notable achievements. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media, highlighting its relevance in contemporary discourse. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to consider the context to ensure accurate usage. Remember to differentiate it from simply 'well-decorated,' as the former carries a stronger connotation of formal awards. Consider alternative phrases such as "richly embellished" or "extensively honored" to precisely convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinctly decorated

Emphasizes the uniqueness and clarity of the decorations.

heavily adorned

Focuses on the abundance of decorations.

richly embellished

Highlights the richness and detail of the decorations.

extensively honored

Shifts the focus to honors and recognition rather than physical decoration.

amply rewarded

Emphasizes the rewards received, implying significant achievement.

immensely praised

Focuses on the positive feedback and acclaim received.

well-recognized

Highlights the wide acknowledgement of accomplishments or qualities.

notably distinguished

Emphasizes the distinctiveness and prominence of the person or object.

highly lauded

Stresses the enthusiastic praise and acclaim received.

exceptionally celebrated

Highlights the celebratory nature of the recognition.

FAQs

How can I use "highly decorated" in a sentence?

Use "highly decorated" to describe someone or something that has received significant awards or embellishments. For example: "The general was a "highly decorated veteran"" or "The room featured a "highly decorated ceiling"".

What is a similar phrase to "highly decorated"?

Similar phrases include "richly embellished", "extensively honored", or "amply rewarded" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "highly decorated" to describe non-military achievements?

Yes, while commonly used in military contexts, "highly decorated" can also describe achievements in other fields, such as academics or the arts. It implies significant recognition or awards.

What's the difference between "highly decorated" and "well-decorated"?

"Highly decorated" implies formal recognition or numerous awards, while "well-decorated" simply means something is decorated in a pleasing or skillful manner. The former carries a stronger connotation of achievement.