decorated

/ˈdek.ə.reɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [dˈɛkɚˌetɪd] /ˈdek.ər.eɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [dˈɛkɚˌetɪd] /ˈde-kə-ˌrā-təd/ (ame, mw)

decorated — verb

  • decoratedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • decorateds3rd person singular
  • decorateding-ing form
  • decoratededpast simple

1. to add attractive things to an object, room, or area so that it looks more beaut

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to add attractive things to an object, room, or area so that it looks more beautiful or special — for example, hanging lights on a Christmas tree or putting flowers on a table.

例句

For New Year, Haruto decorated the living room with red lanterns and gold ribbons.

decorate + object + with [materials]

Every December, the bakery window is decorated with tiny gingerbread houses and sparkling lights.

passive: be decorated with

同義詞
  • adorn

    more formal and poetic; suggests beauty or elegance rather than general ornamentation

  • trim

    often used for Christmas trees or the edges of clothing; more specific and hands-on

  • garnish

    almost always used for food and drink, not rooms or objects

反義詞
  • strip

    to remove decoration or covering from something

文法句型

decorate + object + with + thing

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive voice (be decorated with) when describing the finished appearance rather than the action.

常見錯誤

❌She decorated the cake by writing on it.
✅She decorated the cake with icing flowers.
💡'decorate with [material]' is the standard pattern; 'decorate by [method]' is less natural and often sounds awkward.
❌They decorated the room beautiful.
✅They decorated the room beautifully.
💡use an adverb, not an adjective, after the verb when describing how something is decorated.

2. to put paint or wallpaper on the walls of a room or house in order to make it lo

2.動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

to put paint or wallpaper on the walls of a room or house in order to make it look clean or fresh.

例句

Léa and her brother decided to decorate their bedroom together last weekend.

intransitive use: to decorate [a room]

Before moving in, Gabriel and Sari need to decorate the whole apartment.

同義詞
  • paint

    more specific — refers only to applying paint, not wallpaper

  • redo

    informal and broader; can include painting, wallpapering, and replacing furniture

文法句型

decorate + room or building

用法筆記

This sense is common in British English where 'decorating' often specifically refers to painting and wallpapering a home. In American English, 'paint' or 'remodel' is more common for this specific activity.

常見錯誤

❌We need to decoration the living room.
✅We need to decorate the living room.
💡'decoration' is a noun, not a verb; use 'decorate' as the verb form.

3. to give someone an official medal or formal honor as a reward for brave actions,

3.動詞及物B1
釋義

to give someone an official medal or formal honor as a reward for brave actions, excellent service, or outstanding achievements.

例句

The general decorated the young officer for his bravery during the rescue mission.

decorate + person + for + reason

Captain Amira was decorated for leading her crew through a dangerous storm at sea.

passive: be decorated for [action]

同義詞
  • honor

    broader — can be non-military and non-medal recognition

  • award

    more general; used for prizes and scholarships as well as medals

  • cite

    narrower — means to publicly mention someone's actions, not necessarily give a medal

反義詞
  • dishonor

    to treat someone without respect, the opposite of bestowing honor

文法句型

be decorated for + achievement or action

用法筆記

Almost always transitive. The passive is very common because the focus is usually on the person receiving the honor rather than the one giving it.

常見錯誤

❌The soldier was decorated with a bravery.
✅The soldier was decorated for bravery.
💡use 'for' followed by the quality or action, not 'with' followed by the quality.
❌They decorated him a medal.
✅They decorated him with a medal.' or 'They gave him a medal.
💡'decorate' takes 'with' for the medal itself.

decorated — adjective