SKIP TO CONTENT

decorative

/ˈdɛkrəɾɪv/
/ˈdɛkrətɪv/
IPA guide

Things that are decorative have no purpose except to look pretty. Blueberry bushes produce fruit that humans and birds can eat, while boxwood shrubs are purely decorative.

The fake buttons on your winter coat are just decorative — then again, your high heeled shoes are more decorative than useful, and your jewelry and makeup is also decorative. The knickknacks on your mantel, the wreath on your front door, and the creepy doll collection in your living room are all decorative as well. These things dress up or ornament your home, and decorative comes from the Latin root decorare, "to decorate, adorn, or beautify."

Definitions of decorative
  1. adjective
    serving an aesthetic rather than a useful purpose
    “the buildings were utilitarian rather than decorative
    synonyms: cosmetic, ornamental
    nonfunctional
    not having or performing a function
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘decorative'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family