Decoration
/ˌdɛkəˈreɪʃən/noun
The act of making something more attractive by adding ornaments or embellishments.
Did you know?Decoration comes through Latin from a verb meaning “to decorate” or “adorn,” and that same root also gave English words tied to fitting, beauty, and ceremonial honor.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dek-
“to take, accept, or be suitable”
Latin
Latin
decus
“ornament, glory, honor”
Latin
Latin
decorare
“to adorn, beautify, honor”
Old French
Old French
decoracion
“ornamentation, embellishment”
Middle English
English
decoracioun
“ornament, adornment”
Modern English
English
decoration
“ornamentation or the act of adorning”