decorations
decorations — noun
- decorationssingular
- decorationsesplural
1. attractive items such as ornaments, lights, ribbons, or plants that are placed s
attractive items such as ornaments, lights, ribbons, or plants that are placed somewhere to make it look more pleasant or festive; also the act of adding such items to a place
Mei-Lin hung colourful paper decorations around the living room for the New Year party.
collocation: put up / hang decorations
The wedding hall was filled with beautiful flower decorations and twinkling lights.
collocation: flower decorations
Diego helped the children make Christmas decorations from coloured paper and ribbons.
Simple table decorations like candles and plants can make a room feel more welcoming.
Fiona searched the market for unique decorations to hang in her new apartment.
- ornaments
more specific, usually small decorative objects placed on a surface or tree
- adornments
more formal, often implies jewellery or fine decorative additions
- trimmings
informal, used especially for festive items like tinsel or ribbon
- finery
formal, usually refers to clothing or personal accessories rather than room items
文法句型
put up decorations
decorations for [event/place]
be covered in decorations
用法筆記
With this sense, the plural form 'decorations' usually refers to physical ornamental objects, while the uncountable singular 'decoration' can refer to either the objects or the activity of decorating.
常見錯誤
2. the work of painting or covering the walls, ceilings, and other surfaces of a ro
the work of painting or covering the walls, ceilings, and other surfaces of a room or building with paint or wallpaper to improve its appearance
Kwame does all the interior decorations himself because hiring a professional painter is too expensive.
collocation: do the decorations (BrE)
Elena chose a soft blue paint for the bedroom decorations to create a calm atmosphere.
The old house needs major decorations — every wall must be painted before we move in.
Haruto hired a team for the restaurant's wall decorations before opening day.
- decorating
the gerund form, used in both British and American English for the activity
- painting
narrower — only refers to applying paint, not wallpaper
- interior design
broader profession involving choosing colours, furniture, and layout
文法句型
do the decorations
interior decorations
be busy with decorations
用法筆記
This sense is predominantly British English. In American English, 'painting' or 'decorating' (without the plural noun form) is more common. When used this way, 'decorations' is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
常見錯誤
3. a medal, ribbon, badge, or similar award officially given to someone as an honou
a medal, ribbon, badge, or similar award officially given to someone as an honour for their military service, bravery, or outstanding achievements, and usually worn on formal clothing
General David wore his military decorations proudly at the annual ceremony.
collocation: military decorations
Amara received several decorations for her bravery during the flood rescue operation.
passive: be awarded decorations
The museum displayed the soldier's decorations in a glass case near the entrance.
Oliver's grandmother kept her late husband's war decorations in a leather box on the shelf.
文法句型
wear decorations
receive decorations
be awarded decorations
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form when referring to a collection of medals a person has received. The singular 'decoration' when used in this sense is less common and typically appears in formal or official writing ('a decoration for valour').