ornamentalism
- noun
- /ˌɔrnəˈmɛntəlɪzəm/
- The museum's new exhibit explores trends of ornamentalism in nineteenth-century furniture.
Examples
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The Victorian era was known for its ornamentalism in architecture and interior design.
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Some critics argue that excessive ornamentalism can distract from the true function of an object.
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The building's ornamentalism is evident in its intricate facade.
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Many critics argue that ornamentalism detracts from functional design.
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The cathedral is an excellent example of ornamentalism, featuring intricate carvings and elaborate stained glass.
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Her living room is filled with ornamentalism, showcasing lavish decorations and ornate furniture.
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Critics argue that the building's ornamentalism detracts from its overall functionality and purpose.
Synonyms
The way something is made to look attractive or fashionable
Details added to make something look more beautiful
A very bright and fancy style that attracts attention in dress or manner
A belief that beauty and artistic form are more important than practical or moral matters
Making things look beautiful or like art, often ignoring practical and moral issues
The quality of having pretty details that make something look attractive
A thing or style with many decorative details
Decorative features that make something look attractive
The use of very fancy, detailed language or style that feels too much
Antonyms
- Specialized
The belief that the purpose of something matters more than its appearance
How Ornate
Surface Forms
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.