decorate

/ˈdekəreɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdekəreɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈde-kə-ˌrāt/ (ame, mw)

decorate — verb

  • decoratepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • decorateshe / she / it
  • decoratedpast simple
  • decorating-ing form

1. to add objects, colors, or patterns to a space or object so that it becomes more

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to add objects, colors, or patterns to a space or object so that it becomes more pleasant or festive to look at

例句

Renata decorated the living room with balloons for the party.

decorate + [room] + with + [objects] + for + [occasion]

The children decorated the tree with paper stars and coloured lights.

同義詞
  • adorn

    more formal and poetic; used for crowns, temples, or people's appearance rather than everyday spaces

  • embellish

    emphasises adding fine details; also means exaggerating a story

  • garnish

    restricted to food and drink presentation

文法句型

decorate + [place/thing] + with + [objects]

decorate + for + [occasion/event]

用法筆記

The object used for decoration typically follows 'with' (decorate with flowers); the occasion or purpose follows 'for' (decorate for Christmas). Unlike sense 2, this sense names what is added rather than just stating that painting or wallpapering was done.

常見錯誤

❌I decorated on the Christmas tree.
✅I decorated the Christmas tree.
💡Decorate takes a direct object without a preposition.
❌She decorated her dress with.
✅She decorated her dress with flowers.
💡When using 'with', you must name the decorative items.

2. to improve the appearance of an indoor space by painting its walls, covering the

2.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to improve the appearance of an indoor space by painting its walls, covering them with wallpaper, or making similar alterations

例句

We spent the weekend decorating the bathroom with light blue paint.

decorate + [room] + with + [type of paint]

The landlord decorated the flat just before the new family moved in.

同義詞
  • paint

    more specific — only refers to applying paint, not wallpaper or other materials

  • paper

    verb meaning to cover walls with wallpaper; more specific than decorate

  • redo

    informal and general; can refer to any renovation, not just paint and wallpaper

文法句型

decorate + [room/house/building]

decorate + [room] + with + [paint/wallpaper]

用法筆記

This sense is common in British English, where 'decorate' alone implies painting or wallpapering. American English tends to specify 'paint' or 'paper' instead. The transitive form (decorate the bedroom) is more frequent than the intransitive (We're decorating this week).

常見錯誤

❌I decorated the wall on paper.
✅I put wallpaper on the wall.' or 'I papered the wall.
💡'Decorate' does not take 'on' as a preposition for the material.

3. to officially give someone a medal or other public award to recognise their brav

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to officially give someone a medal or other public award to recognise their brave actions, long service, or special achievements

例句

The soldier was decorated for bravery after rescuing his fellow troops.

passive: be decorated for [achievement]

Indra was decorated with a medal for thirty years of teaching.

passive: be decorated with [medal] for [service]

同義詞
  • honour

    broader meaning — covers medals, titles, public recognition, or any form of respect shown

  • cite

    more specific to military commendations; often followed by 'for bravery'

  • award

    more general; can apply to prizes, scholarships, or medals without the formal ceremony implied by decorate

文法句型

be decorated for + [achievement/bravery/service]

be decorated with + [medal/award]

decorate + [person] + with + [medal]

用法筆記

Almost always used in the passive voice — the active form ('The queen decorated him') is rare. The person receives the honour, not the action itself. Distinguish from sense 1: a room is decorated with ornaments, but a person is decorated with a medal.

常見錯誤

❌The company decorated the employee for good work.
✅The employee was decorated for good work.
💡The medal-awarding sense is typically passive; active voice sounds unnatural.
❌The team decorated the player with a prize.
✅The player was decorated with a medal.
💡Use 'medal' or 'award', not 'prize'. 'Decorate' in this sense implies official recognition, not a contest prize.