English Dictionary
Definition of “embellish”
embellish (ɪmˈbɛlɪʃ
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- to improve or beautify by adding detail or ornament; adorn
- to make (a story) more interesting by adding detail
- to provide (a melody, part, etc) with ornaments See ornament (sense 5)
Alternative Forms
emˈbellisher noun emˈbellishment noun Word Origin
C14: from Old French embelir, from bel beautiful, from Latin bellus
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
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decorate,
enhance,
adorn,
dress,
grace,
deck,
trim,
dress up,
enrich,
garnish,
ornament,
gild,
festoon,
bedeck,
tart up,
beautify,
Usage examples
I let Andy repeat and embellish the Matthew Barr story from Friday, without interrupting him.
David Cavanagh, MUSIC FOR BOYS (2003)While the most insignificant minister was at liberty to embellish his car's bonnet with the flag, the ordinary citizen had no such luck.
India Today (2001)"I've learned... to let the law speak for itself and not to embellish things with adjectives.
Globe and Mail (2003)Barkley has chance to embellish his England credentials; RBS Six Nations Championship; Rugby Union
Times, Sunday Times (2004)Various reasons for her arrest and execution have been given to embellish the bare facts of her life story.
Martin Manser, COLLINS DICTIONARY OF SAINTS (2004)
