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ornamentality

ornamentality

8.4
Features used for display to attract mates
  • noun
  • /ˌɔrnəˈmɛntəlɪti/
  • Specialized
: ornamentalidad
  • The peacock's tail is a classic example of ornamentality in the animal kingdom.

Examples

  • The bright colors of the fish are a sign of ornamentality used to attract mates.

  • The bright plumage of many tropical birds is a clear example of ornamentality, enhancing their appeal to potential partners.

  • Scientists study ornamentality to understand how certain traits evolve through sexual selection.

  • The ornamentality of the peacock's feathers attracts many potential mates.

  • In nature, ornamentality plays a crucial role in mating rituals.

  • The peacock's tail exhibits remarkable ornamentality, showcasing its vibrant colors to attract mates.

  • Researchers focused on the ornamentality of certain species to analyze their mating behaviors and preferences.

Synonyms

ornamentation
vsornamentality
6 4.9

Details added to make something look more beautiful

is a quality used to display traits to attract mates rather than an action
flamboyance
vsornamentality
3 7.7

A very bright and fancy style that attracts attention in dress or manner

is about showing traits to attract mates rather than bold personal flair
showiness
vsornamentality
1 6.5

A style that is very bright or richly decorated to attract attention

relates to display for mating purposes rather than only general attention
fanciness
vsornamentality
1 4.0

A decorative, stylish appearance that seems expensive

signals traits for mate attraction rather than only showing wealth
conspicuousness
vsornamentality
1 6.8

How easy something is to see or notice

is about visible traits for attracting mates rather than just being noticeable
swellness
vsornamentality
  • Archaic
1 8.4

A stylish, impressive appearance that shows wealth or good taste

signals display to attract mates rather than merely fashionable impressing
decorativeness
vsornamentality
1 5.2

The quality of having pretty details that make something look attractive

focuses on display for attracting mates rather than simple beautifying
swankiness
vsornamentality
1 7.2

A stylish, expensive look that shows someone is rich

emphasizes traits for mate attraction rather than social status display
ornateness
vsornamentality
1 7.7

A thing or style with many decorative details

is mainly for display to attract mates rather than general beauty
brightwork
vsornamentality
1 8.5

Decorative details added for show that do not make something work better

serves display to attract mates specifically rather than mere show
floridness
vsornamentality
  • Formal
8.9

The use of very fancy, detailed language or style that feels too much

focuses on biological display for mating rather than decorative excess

Antonyms

functionality
  • Specialized
77 4.6

The things a device or program can do

25 3.9

Being useful and likely to work well in real situations

How Showy

flamboyance
3 7.7
showiness
1 6.5
ornamentality
  • Specialized
8.4
subtlety
48 6.8

Surface Forms

ornamentality singular
ornamentality plural

Morphology

ornamentality = ornamental (transparent) = ornament + al + ity

Derived from 'ornamental' + '-ity'; though used in specialized biological contexts (display for mates), the morphological meaning is the same 'quality of being ornamental/displayed'.

Etymology

Ornamentality comes from the word ornament, from the Latin ornare 'to decorate', and it carries the idea of a display. That's why in animals ornamentality means decorative features used to attract mates, like a peacock's tail.