adjective
ornate
or-NAYT/ɔːrˈneɪt/
Highly elaborate in decoration or style.
The ornate mirror frame is densely carved with leaves, flowers, and curling scrolls.
Etymology
Latin ornare meant both to fit out and to adorn. Ornate develops the decorative side of that meaning: richly embellished rather than merely equipped, with its earliest English use referring to literary style.
In context
the palace's exterior is embellished with ornate sculptures and gilded ele elements
More examples
- The theater's ornate ceiling features carved flowers and painted stars.
- She prefers simple wedding invitations to ornate ones.
- His ornate prose turns a simple description into a page of elaborate imagery.
Forms
ornate
ornately adverb — With elaborate decoration or stylistic detail.
ornateness noun — The quality of having elaborate decoration.
Similar words
- elaborate
- Emphasizes complexity and careful detail, not necessarily decoration.
- decorative
- Emphasizes visual appeal without requiring elaborate or abundant detail.
- florid
- Often suggests excessively flowery language or showy decoration.