Embellish
Verb
Definition: To make something more attractive or beautiful by adding decorative details.
Definition: To exaggerate or add fictional details to a story or account.
Synonyms: Decorate, Adorn, Beautify
Antonyms: Strip, Simplify, Plain
Examples:
- She embellished the wedding dress with intricate lace patterns.
- The storyteller embellished the traditional tale with fantastical creatures.
Mnemonics:
- Remember "em-bellish" by associating it with "adding beautiful bells" to something.
- Think of embellishing as giving something an extra "sparkle" or "shine".
Etymology:
Origin:
From the Middle French word "embelliss-", derived from the Latin word "embellire", meaning "to make beautiful".
Historical Usage:The term "embellish" has been used since the 16th century.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Embellish the truth"
Explanation:Referring to the act of adding exaggeration or fictional details to a story or account.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "embellish" with "embezzle".
Explanation:"Embellish" means to enhance or beautify, while "embezzle" means to dishonestly take someone else's money or property.