ornamental
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌɔːrnəˈmɛntl/
KK: /ɔrnəˈmɛntl/
adjective
Definition
Relating to or designed for decoration rather than for a practical purpose.
Example
The garden was filled with ornamental plants that added beauty to the landscape.
Conversation
Have you seen my new plant?
No, I haven't! What kind is it?
It's a beautiful ornamental plant that brightens up the room.
That sounds lovely! I love plants that are both pretty and easy to care for.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
decorative
embellished
adorned
Antonyms
plain
unadorned
simple
noun
Definition
An item or plant that is used for decoration and is valued for its beauty rather than for practical use.
Example
The garden was filled with various ornamental plants that added color and charm.
Conversation
I just bought a new ornamental plant for my living room.
That sounds lovely! What kind is it?
It's a type of fern; I wanted something that looks nice without too much maintenance.
Root Explanation
Ornamental → It is formed from "ornare" (meaning to adorn or decorate) and the suffix "-al" (meaning relating to). The word "ornamental" refers to something that is related to decoration or designed for beauty rather than utility.
Memory Tip
Think of 'ornare' meaning to decorate, and remember that 'ornamental' describes something that is meant to be beautiful or decorative.
Visually Confused Words
unornamental
tournamental
ramental
preornamental
nonornamental
unornamentally
omental
amental