{Decorative art}, fine art which has for its end ornamentation, rather than the representation of objects or events. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
decorative — early 15c., from M.Fr. decoratif, from decorat , pp. stem of L. decorare (see DECORATE (Cf. decorate)) … Etymology dictionary
decorative — [adj] beautifying adorning, cosmetic, embellishing, enhancing, fancy, florid, nonfunctional, ornamental, prettifying, pretty; concept 579 Ant. ugly … New thesaurus
decorative — ► ADJECTIVE 1) serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental. 2) relating to decoration. DERIVATIVES decoratively adverb decorativeness noun … English terms dictionary
decorative — [dek′ə rə tiv, dek′ə rāt΄iv] adj. that serves to decorate; ornamental decoratively adv. decorativeness n … English World dictionary
decorative */ — UK [ˈdek(ə)rətɪv] / US / US [ˈdekəˌreɪtɪv] adjective intended to look attractive rather than be useful a decorative border/motif The lighting in the room is functional as well as decorative. highly decorative: a highly decorative garden plant… … English dictionary
décorative — ● décoratif, décorative adjectif Qui relève de la décoration de théâtre ou de cinéma, de la décoration intérieure ou architecturale. Qui, par son aspect, se prête à être utilisé comme élément de décoration : Ces plantes sont très décoratives.… … Encyclopédie Universelle
decorative — adj. VERBS ▪ be, look ADVERB ▪ extremely, fairly, very, etc. ▪ highly … Collocations dictionary
decorative — [[t]de̱kərətɪv[/t]] ADJ GRADED Something that is decorative is intended to look pretty or attractive. The curtains are for purely decorative purposes and do not open or close. ...highly decorative iron brackets … English dictionary
decorative — dec|o|ra|tive [ dek(ə)rətıv, dekə,reıtıv ] adjective * intended to look attractive rather than be useful: a decorative border/motif The lighting in the room is functional as well as decorative … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
decorative — dec|o|ra|tive [ˈdekərətıv US ˈdekərə , ˈdekəreı ] adj pretty or attractive, but not always necessary or useful ▪ a decorative panel above the door >decoratively adv … Dictionary of contemporary English
