embroider

/ɪmˈbrɔɪdə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [ɪmbrˈɔɪdɚ] /ɪmˈbrɔɪdər/ (ame, ipa) · [ɪmbrˈɔɪdɚ] /im-ˈbrȯi-dər How to pronounce embroider (audio)/ (ame, mw)

embroider — verb

  • embroiderpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • embroidershe / she / it
  • embroideredpast simple
  • embroidering-ing form

1. to sew a design onto cloth or clothing by working thread into the surface with a

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to sew a design onto cloth or clothing by working thread into the surface with a needle

例句

Theo embroidered small blue flowers onto the collar of his daughter's coat.

embroider + design + onto + clothing part

Hamza learned to embroider birds on linen in his grandmother's winter sewing class.

同義詞
  • decorate

    broader everyday verb; 'embroider' specifically uses needle and thread on cloth

  • stitch

    focuses on sewing action; it may join fabric without adding a decorative design

  • ornament

    more formal and wider in meaning; it does not specify fabric or sewing

文法句型

embroider + object

embroider + object + with + material

用法筆記

The object is usually a piece of fabric or clothing, and a with-phrase often names the thread, beads, or pattern added. This verb focuses on making the design directly in the cloth, not on attaching a ready-made patch.

常見錯誤

❌She embroidered the curtain by red thread.
✅She embroidered the curtain with red thread.
💡use 'with' for the material you sew with, not 'by'.

2. to give a story or account extra colour by slipping in invented detail

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to give a story or account extra colour by slipping in invented detail

例句

Mei embroidered the camping story with a fake bear chase.

embroider + story + with + invented detail

Tara kept embroidering her excuse until the teacher stopped believing her.

同義詞
  • embellish

    closest synonym; often slightly more formal than 'embroider'

  • exaggerate

    makes something seem larger or stronger; 'embroider' stresses added detail

  • elaborate

    can be neutral and factual; 'embroider' suggests invention or distortion

反義詞
  • understate

    deliberately make the story seem less dramatic than it is

  • simplify

    remove detail instead of adding colourful extra detail

文法句型

embroider + story/account/excuse

embroider + object + with + extra details

用法筆記

This sense usually takes story, account, excuse, or gossip as the object and often suggests the speaker wants to entertain, impress, or protect themselves. Distinguish from 'exaggerate': 'embroider' adds colourful detail, while 'exaggerate' mainly makes one point larger than it really is.

常見錯誤

❌The witness embroidered the truth.
✅The witness embroidered the story with extra details.
💡the object is usually the telling or account, not 'the truth' itself.