Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/bɪˈdaɪzən/

Definitions

1. To dress or adorn in a showy or gaudy manner, often with excessive or unnecessary ornamentation.

2. To embellish or decorate something in an ostentatious way, sometimes with little regard for good taste.

Usage Examples

1. She decided to bedizen herself with a colorful scarf and bright jewelry for the party.

2. The room was bedizened with garish decorations for the festival.

3. The princess was bedizened in jewels, giving her a striking appearance at the ball.

Etymology

Originating in the late 16th century, from the word "bedizen," derived from Middle English "bedizen," from "be-" (a prefix) and "dizen," meaning "to dress or adorn." The word initially referred to dressing or adorning in a specific style, later evolving to its current meaning of excessive or showy decoration.

Synonyms

Adorn, decorate, embellish, outfit, dress up

Antonyms

Undress, strip, plain, simplify, defurnish

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation of "bedizen" may vary slightly in different English-speaking regions, but the standard pronunciation is /bɪˈdaɪzən/. In regions with stronger accents, the "d" may sound softer or more distinct, depending on the local dialect.

Historical Usage

The word "bedizen" first appeared in the late 16th century, in English literature. It was initially used to describe the act of adorning oneself or something in a showy, often excessive manner. Over time, its meaning became more aligned with ostentatious or gaudy decoration, frequently used in a somewhat critical or humorous context to describe overly embellished appearances or places.

Cultural Nuances

In modern times, "bedizen" is often used with a slightly negative connotation, implying that the adornment or decoration is excessive, tasteless, or unnecessary. It is sometimes used humorously or pejoratively to refer to someone who is overly concerned with their appearance or with decorating their surroundings in a flashy, over-the-top manner.

More Information

While the verb "bedizen" refers to dressing or adorning in a showy manner, it has also become associated with the broader concept of flamboyant or excessive style. In the context of fashion, design, or decoration, to "bedizen" something is to embellish it with an attention-grabbing or exaggerated flair. The term is less common in contemporary usage but still appears in literary works or when discussing historical or literary figures known for their ostentatious style.