Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪmˈbɛlɪʃmənt/ (American English)

/ɪmˈbɛlɪʃmənt/ (British English)

Definitions

• The act of adding decorative details to something to enhance its appearance.
• An additional feature that makes a story or situation more interesting or elaborate.
• Ornamental elements added to an object, such as clothing, architecture, or speech.

Usage Examples

• "The artist's embellishment of the mural added vibrancy to the dull walls."
• "Her story contained a fair amount of embellishment to make it more entertaining."
• "The dress featured intricate embellishments along the sleeves."

Etymology

Derived from Old French ‘embellissement’, meaning ‘beautification’, which stems from ‘embellir’ (to beautify) and Latin ‘bellus’ (beautiful).

Synonyms

• Decoration
• Ornamentation
• Adornment
• Enhancement
• Exaggeration

Antonyms

• Simplification
• Plainness
• Reduction

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Some English dialects emphasize different syllables, such as /ɪmˈbɛlɪʃmɛnt/ versus /ɪmˈbɛlɪʃmənt/.

Historical Usage

Since the 16th century, the term has been widely used in art, fashion, and literature to signify ornamental enhancements.

Cultural Nuances

In storytelling, embellishment is often viewed as an art form, while in some contexts, it may be considered misleading if used excessively.

More Information

Embellishments are widely used in various fields, including architecture, music, and fashion. In many cultures, they carry symbolic meanings, such as rank or religious significance.