embroider
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪmˈbrɔɪdər/
KK: /ɪmˈbroɪdɚ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To create decorative designs on fabric using a needle and thread.
Example
She loves to embroider beautiful patterns on her clothes.
Tense Forms
Past: embroidered
Past Participle: embroidered
Conversation
Have you ever tried to embroider anything yourself?
No, I haven't, but it sounds like a fun hobby.
I recently started to embroider some patterns on towels.
That’s awesome! I’d love to see how they turn out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decorate
ornament
enhance
Antonyms
simplify
diminish
reduce
transitive verb
Definition
To decorate fabric or other materials by sewing patterns or designs onto it using a needle and thread.
Example
She decided to embroider a beautiful flower design on the tablecloth.
Tense Forms
Past: embroidered
Past Participle: embroidered
Conversation
Have you ever tried to embroider anything yourself?
No, but I’ve always wanted to learn how to do it.
It's really fun! I recently embroidered a little design on a tote bag.
Root Explanation
Embroider → It is formed from "em-" (a variant of "en-", meaning to cause to be in) and "broider" (from Old French *broder*, meaning to ornament or decorate with needlework). The word "embroider" means to cause to be decorated with ornamental needlework.
Memory Tip
Think of 'causing to be' ('em-') 'decorated' ('broider') — that's why embroider means to decorate fabric with needlework.
Visually Confused Words
broider
emborder
embodier
broidery
unembroidered
overembroider
moider