embellishment
embellishment Lexical Profile
embellishment Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A decorative feature or detail added to an object, garment, or surface to make it more attractive; also, the action of decorating.
"The historic library features intricate gold-leaf embellishments along the ceiling moldings."
An exaggerated or fictitious detail added to a story, statement, or account to make it seem more interesting or impressive.
"The witness recounted the core events accurately, without any unnecessary dramatic embellishment."
An ornamental note or group of notes, such as a trill, grace note, or turn, added to a musical melody to enhance its expressiveness.
"Baroque harpsichord music relies heavily on spontaneous melodic embellishments performed by the soloist."
• Rhymes for embellishment
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Old French embellissement, a derivative of embellir ('to make beautiful'), which was formed from the prefix em- and bel ('beautiful'), ultimately tracing back to Latin bellus ('pretty, handsome').