Vocabulary Spotlight
Adorn
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To add beauty or decoration to something.
“They adorned the hall with flowers and lights for the celebration.”
Pronunciation
[uh-dawrn]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Embellish
Beautify
Enhance
Ornament
Antonyms
Deface
Spoil
Mar
Damage
Related Words
Ornate
Ornamentation
Word Origin
“Adorn” derives from the Latin “adornare,” meaning “to equip” or “to decorate.” The word entered English in the Middle Ages, focused on adding beauty or ornamentation.
Word Family
Verb: Adorn – To add beauty or decoration.
Noun: Adornment – The act or process of adorning.
Adjective: Adorned – Decorated or embellished.
Mnemonics
Think “add + ornament” — to adorn is to add something that enhances beauty.
Industry-specific Usage
Interior Design
Designers adorn spaces with furniture, art, and accessories to enhance aesthetic appeal.
Fashion
Jewelry and embellishments are used to adorn outfits, adding a touch of elegance or style.
Event Planning
Event planners adorn venues with flowers, lights, and fabrics to create an inviting atmosphere.
In Context
To adorn means to enhance beauty through decoration. This concept is used across various fields where aesthetics and presentation are important, such as interior design, fashion, and event planning.