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ornamentalism

ornamentalism

1 8.9
The use of too much decoration on buildings, art, or furniture
  • noun
  • /ˌɔrnəˈmɛntəlɪzəm/
: ornamentalismo
  • The museum's new exhibit explores trends of ornamentalism in nineteenth-century furniture.

Examples

  • The Victorian era was known for its ornamentalism in architecture and interior design.

  • Some critics argue that excessive ornamentalism can distract from the true function of an object.

  • The building's ornamentalism is evident in its intricate facade.

  • Many critics argue that ornamentalism detracts from functional design.

  • The cathedral is an excellent example of ornamentalism, featuring intricate carvings and elaborate stained glass.

  • Her living room is filled with ornamentalism, showcasing lavish decorations and ornate furniture.

  • Critics argue that the building's ornamentalism detracts from its overall functionality and purpose.

Synonyms

styling
vsornamentalism
20 3.7

The way something is made to look attractive or fashionable

is specifically about heavy decorative detail and often excessive ornamentation
ornamentation
vsornamentalism
6 4.9

Details added to make something look more beautiful

is the broader style or practice of using decoration often to excess
flamboyance
vsornamentalism
3 7.7

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

is more about ongoing decorative practice, not only attention seeking
aestheticism
vsornamentalism
  • Literature
1 8.6

A belief that beauty and artistic form are more important than practical or moral matters

is a decorative practice in objects more than a guiding artistic belief
aestheticization
vsornamentalism
  • Formal
1 8.6

Making things look beautiful or like art, often ignoring practical and moral issues

focuses on continual decorative style rather than just making things beautiful
decorativeness
vsornamentalism
1 5.2

The quality of having pretty details that make something look attractive

is a stylistic tendency toward decoration, often reaching excess
ornateness
vsornamentalism
1 7.7

A thing or style with many decorative details

is the general style of using highly detailed decoration often overdone
ornamentality
vsornamentalism
7.9

Decorative features that make something look attractive

is the practice of applying decorative features often excessively
floridness
vsornamentalism
  • Formal
8.9

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

is the practice of adding highly detailed features typically beyond necessity

Antonyms

6 6.5

A style in painting, sculpture, and design using very simple shapes and few colors

functionalism
  • Specialized
1 8.1

The belief that the purpose of something matters more than its appearance

How Ornate

baroque
1 8.1
ornamentalism
1 8.9
simplicity
42 2.7

Surface Forms

ornamentalism singular

Morphology

ornamentalism = ornamental (transparent) = ornament + al + ism

Formed by the adjective 'ornamental' + '-ism', producing a noun for the practice or style of ornamentation; the derivation is regular and clear.

Etymology

Ornamentalism comes from the simple word ornament, which comes from an old root meaning 'to decorate', and the ending -ism that shows a 'practice' or way of doing something. So, ornamentalism is the practice of adding decoration, often a lot, which is why the word describes very decorative styles in art, furniture, and buildings.